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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: '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.


Biden pressed on past comment he saw himself as 'bridge' to next generation of leaders

A reporter noted Biden made a statement during his 2020 campaign that he wanted to be a "bridge" candidate to help usher in a younger generation of Democratic leaders.

"I wanted to know --what changed?" she asked.

"What changed was the gravity of the situation I inherited, in terms of the economy, our foreign policy and domestic division," Biden responded.

"What I realized was my long time in the Senate equipped me to have the wisdom to how to deal with Congress and get things done," he continued. "We got more major legislation passed that no one thought would happen and I want to get that finished."


Biden on strategy to interrupt partnership between China and Russia

Asked what his strategy is to interrupt the partnership between China and Russia and if he would be able to negotiate with Xi and Putin, Biden said he has "spent more time with Xi Jinping than any world leader has."

"We have to make it clear and China has to understand that if they are supplying Russia with information and capacity, along with working with North Korea and others to help Russia, that they are not going to benefit economically as a consequence of that by getting the kind of investment they are looking for," he said.

Biden added that after the Chinese "spy balloon" incident the U.S. and Chinese militaries have "direct access" to one other and "we contact one another."