US President Joe Biden has quashed rumours he could drop out of the race for the Democratic candidacy after an ally claimed he had just days left to save his position.
In a firm statement on social media, the 81-year-old Commander-in-Chief said: "Let me say this as clearly as I can: I’m the sitting President of the United States. I’m the nominee of the Democratic party. I’m staying in the race."
Just two days prior, the New York Times had reported that Biden told a key ally that he could have a few days to save his candidacy - which was swiftly denied by White House officials.
The ally said Biden knew his next few public appearances must go well in order to convince the American public that he's fit to take on the Presidency for another four years, in a shock reveal which followed his first official call from within to resign the day before.
Let me say this as clearly as I can:
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 5, 2024
I’m the sitting President of the United States.
I’m the nominee of the Democratic party.
I’m staying in the race.
But White House spokesperson Andrew Bates immediately slated the NYT's claims on social media as "absolutely false".