Why Joe Biden is going nowhere despite Democrats’ post-debate panic

No sign president is reconsidering his decision to run after poor showing

Biden concedes debate fumbles but declares he will defend democracy

Toluse Olorunnipa and Matt Viser
© Washington Post

US president Joe Biden’s decision to ­pursue a second term crystallised during Thanksgiving 2022, as he gathered on Nantucket island with his large family to discuss his political future.

At the time, the choice in some ways seemed straightforward: better-than-expected results in the midterm elections had buoyed the incumbent and silenced many of his doubters; he had successfully enacted an ambitious legislative agenda; and he felt strong and healthy days after celebrating his 80th birthday.