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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 delivers rousing defense of his candidacy at Michigan event

President Biden took the stage in this key battleground state intent on proving his critics wrong.

Before an amped-up crowd of 2,000 in Detroit, a fired-up President Biden railed against Donald Trump in pointed attacks, challenged the press, outlined his first 100 days in office and tried to make clear to his doubters, he isn’t going anywhere.

"Folks, I’m the nominee!" Biden roared as the crowd erupted.

"I’m the nominee as part because 14 million Democrats like you voted for me in the primaries. You made me the nominee. No one else, not the press, not the pundits, not the insiders, not donors. You the voters, you decided, no one else. And I'm not going anywhere," Biden said.

The president also framed his agenda by announcing his plan for his "first 100 days in office."

Biden pledged to codify Roe v. Wade, passing an assault weapons ban, passing the John Lewis Voting rights act and to make sure the rich pay their "fair share in taxes."

-ABC News' Mary Bruce, Molly Nagle and Will McDuffie


Biden addresses 'confusing names,' says Trump gets a 'free pass'

President Joe Biden came out strong against Donald Trump at his campaign event in Detroit, Michigan Friday.

Addressing his gaffes during the NATO conference Thursday, Biden said, "They’ve been hammering me because I sometimes confuse names. I say, that's Charlie, instead of Bill."

On Thursday, Biden referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During his press conference Thursday, Biden referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as Donald Trump.

Drawing attention to Trump’s history of name gaffes Biden said, "Donald Trump has gotten a free pass."

"I guess they don't remember that Trump called Nikki Haley Nancy Pelosi," Biden said.

"Donald, no more free passes," Biden continued, adding, "Today, we’re going to shine a spotlight on Donald Trump."


Biden at Michigan campaign event: 'I am running'

During a campaign event in Michigan Friday night, Biden reiterated his commitment to the race.

"As you've probably noticed, there's been a lot of speculation lately: What's Joe Biden going to do?" he told the crowd. "Is he going to stay in the race? Is he going to drop out?"

"I am running and we're going to win," he continued.

Biden said he's going to beat Trump again.

"I know him. Donald Trump is a loser," he said.


Some progressive say they're sticking with Biden, but do express concerns

Progressive-leaning Democratic voters who attended the Netroots Convention in Baltimore Maryland Friday told ABC News they still plan to vote for Biden in November amid calls for the president to step aside.

First-time voter Emily Kolonder, 19, from New York says she believes Biden is the candidate who best aligns with her views on abortion access and climate change.

"Knowing both candidates’ policies, I will still be voting for Biden. But do I think someone of that age and that mental ability should be able to be President? No. But, when you have these two options, I think he [Biden] is the better of the two candidates," Kolonder said.

Kolonder said that while she would support a different Democratic candidate if Biden were to pull out of the race. However, she is not confident Kamala Harris can beat Donald Trump.

"I don't think she can get enough votes. I would personally support her, but I don't think she can win," she said.

Davonna Williams, a 30-year-old voter from Kansas City, Missouri said that while she believes in Biden’s abilities as president, she thinks he’s a “hard sell” to disenchanted voters following his most recent gaffes.

“I think what should have happened is that there should have been some planning, like a year, two years out, because we knew this point was coming. We knew it was happening. And I just feel like there was a lack of planning on the Democratic side,” Williams said.

Williams said she worries the calls for Biden to step aside may result in low voter turnout as infighting continues to grow.

"I certainly don't think it helps. I think if anything, it'll make folks just say ‘I'm just not going to vote," she added.

-ABC News' Briana Stewart and Emily Chang