Washington: US President Joe Biden, facing growing calls to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, experienced an awkward moment in a Philadelphia church. During a campaign stop in Pennsylvania, Biden, 81, did not stand when the pastor asked the congregation to rise, as seen in a video.
Biden has faced growing calls to end his re-election bid following a halting performance in a June 27 debate with Republican Donald Trump, 78, which raised questions about his ability to serve another four years.
However, Biden dismissed these calls as “nonsense” in a fundraising email on Saturday and vowed to stay in the race.
Despite the controversy, Biden received a warm welcome at a Black church in Philadelphia and later attended an event with union members in Harrisburg. Black voters are a critical part of Biden’s support base, though recent polls have shown their support softening.
Democrats have suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris, seen as the likeliest candidate to replace Biden if he were to bow out, could perform well in the November 5 election.
Biden ‘sits in a trance’ at church as pastor asks attendees to stand
