White House: Demands for US President Joe Biden's resignation 'ridiculous'
Biden is not a "lame duck," despite his decision to serve only one term and not run for re-election, Jean-Pierre stated, looking at the term used for a president who is still in office but considered politically ineffective due to not seeking re-election.
"He wants to build on what we have achieved," she added, referring to Biden's accomplishments during his tenure. "We do not see ourselves as lame-duck presidents. Not at all."
Biden's decision to withdraw from the presidential race had also "nothing to do with his health," Jean-Pierre added. "It's not a cover-up. I know that's the narrative you all want. It's not that."
After withdrawing from the presidential race, Biden is scheduled to give a speech to the nation on Wednesday evening (Thursday 02:00 AM CET) from the Oval Office. He will express "what lies ahead and how I will complete the job for the American people," he announced on Tuesday on the online platform X.
The 81-year-old Biden announced on Sunday, in the face of massive doubts about his mental and physical fitness, that he would not seek a second term. Instead, he pledged his support to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Immediately after Biden's withdrawal, calls for his immediate resignation as president from the Republican ranks were heard. "If Joe Biden is not fit to run for the presidency, he is not fit to serve as president. He must resign from the office," declared the Republican chairman of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson.
- Despite the calls for his immediate resignation from the Republican side, Joe Biden's White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, reaffirmed that Biden is not a "lame duck" President.
- During a press briefing, Jean-Pierre dismissed the notion that Biden's decision not to seek re-election was due to health issues, labeling it as a "cover-up narrative."
- According to Jean-Pierre, Biden's campaign was focused on building upon his achievements during his tenure, and he does not view himself or his administration as politically ineffective.
- In an upcoming speech from the Oval Office, Biden is expected to outline his vision for the future and his plans to complete his current term effectively, serving the American people.
- The demands for Biden's resignation from US House of Representatives Representative Mike Johnson and other Republicans were met with a firm stance from the White House, deeming the request as "laughable."
- Jean-Pierre emphasized that the White House respects the democratic process and the role of the opposition, but they will not be swayed by baseless attacks on the US-President, Joe Biden.
