The US President Joe Biden has made his first public appearance since Thursday's presidential debate with former President Donald Trump, where Biden's performance has been described as wavering and incoherent.
I don't debate as well as I used to, but I know what I know – I know how to tell the truth, he says to supporters in North Carolina, with better vigor than during Thursday's debate.
I can do this job. I know how to get things done.
Biden's team was in crisis management mode after the President's weak debate performance, where he repeatedly hesitated, stumbled over words, and lost his train of thought – which exacerbated concerns about his ability to serve another term.
The appearance is said to have caused panic within the Democrats and discussions about replacing him with another candidate ahead of the autumn's presidential election are reportedly underway.
But so far, Biden's intentions do not seem to have changed.
I wouldn't run again if I didn't believe with my whole heart and soul that I can do this job, because, honestly, the stakes are too high, he says.
On Friday, he blames Trump for his "lies" and campaign, which according to Biden aims at "revenge and retaliation".
The choice is simple in this election. Donald Trump will destroy our democracy. I will defend it, says Biden.
