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2024 election live updates: Bernie Sanders calls on Dems 'to stop the bickering'
Sanders expressed his support for Biden in a New York Times guest essay.
President Joe Biden is facing a critical point in his reelection bid as Democratic calls for him to exit the 2024 race continue to mount despite his efforts to shut them down.
A poor debate performance against Donald Trump reignited questions about Biden's age and fitness to carry out his campaign and serve another four years. Biden has defiantly insisted he is staying the course, telling lawmakers this week he is not going anywhere.
Biden held his first news conference since the debate Thursday evening -- taking multiple questions about his political future.
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Biden cedes 'others could beat Trump' but believes he's most qualified
"I think I am the best qualified to win," Biden said as his news conference neared an end. "But there are other people who could beat Trump, too."
"But it would be hard to start from scratch," he quickly added. "We talk about money raised. We are not doing bad. We've got about $220 million in the bank. We are doing well."
Biden on cognitive test: 'No matter what I did, not everyone is going to be satisfied'
Asked if he is going to take a cognitive test before the election amid questions about his mental fitness in the wake of the debate, Biden said that if his doctor told him he needed to, he would.
Biden said he has taken three "significant" neurological exams during his presidency, most recently in February.
"They say I am in good shape," he said, reiterating that he is tested "every single day" on his neurological capacity in his job.
The president added, "No matter what I did, not everyone is going to be satisfied."
Biden: 'I've gotta finish this job'
Biden said he is going to make the case to the American people that there are things his administration needs to finish, and the dangers posed by a Trump presidency.
"Do you think our democracy is under siege based on this [Supreme] Court? Do you think democracy is under siege based on Project 2025? Do you think he means what he says when he says he is going to do away with the civil service and eliminate the Department Education?"
"I mean, we've never been here before ... I've gotta finish this job because there's so much at stake," he said.
Biden on Israel-Hamas conflict 'It's time to end this war'
Biden addressed his administration's response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and reiterated that he wants a cease-fire and ultimately a two-state solution.
The president touted his multiple talks with the Israeli government and Arab leaders but acknowledged that more work needs to be done.
"I have been disappointed that some of the things that I have put forward have not succeeded, like the port in Cyprus. I was hoping that would be more successful," he said.
Biden reiterated that he has pushed Israeli leaders not to make the same mistake America did in its hunt for Osama bin Laden and occupy a territory.
"Don't think that's what you should be doing. We will help you find the bad guys," he said.