03:41Mandatory credit: The White House
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that US President Joe Biden was 'absolutely not' considering withdrawing from the presidential race, and reiterated the claims that 'jet lag' and a 'cold' were to blame for his poor debate performance last week.
It came following media reports that the president had told a close 'ally' he was considering whether to stay in - while on Tuesday, Democrat representative for Texas Lloyd Doggett became the first in his party to openly call for Biden to step down ahead of the election.
"If the president wants to suspend his campaign, he would also resign, any discussions about that and the vice president assuming his duties?" she was asked.
"No, no, absolutely not", said Jean-Pierre.
The White House press secretary added that Biden traveled across multiple times zones before the clash with Donald Trump.
"That's something that the print pool on that day laid out for all of you and those who read the pool notes. And on top of that, he did have a cold," she added.
She also stated that Biden acknowledged it was not his 'best night'.
"He understands it is fair for people to ask that question. But we cannot forget his record and what he was able to do."
Also during the press briefing, the White House announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine, which includes ammunition for HIMARS systems, interceptors for air defence systems, artillery shells and other weapons.
"It also includes new funding that the Department of Defence will use to purchase rockets for Patriot and NASAMS air defence systems to help Ukraine defend its troops and its civilians against Russia's aerial attacks," Karine Jean-Pierre added.
During last Thursday's debate, Biden and Donald Trump clashed over taxes, the border, Trump's ongoing legal issues, China, the Ukraine conflict - and even their golf handicaps.
According to media reports, Biden appeared to stumble and freeze several times. A snap poll found Trump the clear winner, with 67 per cent of those watching backing his performance to 33 percent for Biden.
'Absolutely not!' - WH spox hits back at rumours Biden could quit presidential race
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that US President Joe Biden was 'absolutely not' considering withdrawing from the presidential race, and reiterated the claims that 'jet lag' and a 'cold' were to blame for his poor debate performance last week.
It came following media reports that the president had told a close 'ally' he was considering whether to stay in - while on Tuesday, Democrat representative for Texas Lloyd Doggett became the first in his party to openly call for Biden to step down ahead of the election.
"If the president wants to suspend his campaign, he would also resign, any discussions about that and the vice president assuming his duties?" she was asked.
"No, no, absolutely not", said Jean-Pierre.
The White House press secretary added that Biden traveled across multiple times zones before the clash with Donald Trump.
"That's something that the print pool on that day laid out for all of you and those who read the pool notes. And on top of that, he did have a cold," she added.
She also stated that Biden acknowledged it was not his 'best night'.
"He understands it is fair for people to ask that question. But we cannot forget his record and what he was able to do."
Also during the press briefing, the White House announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine, which includes ammunition for HIMARS systems, interceptors for air defence systems, artillery shells and other weapons.
"It also includes new funding that the Department of Defence will use to purchase rockets for Patriot and NASAMS air defence systems to help Ukraine defend its troops and its civilians against Russia's aerial attacks," Karine Jean-Pierre added.
During last Thursday's debate, Biden and Donald Trump clashed over taxes, the border, Trump's ongoing legal issues, China, the Ukraine conflict - and even their golf handicaps.
According to media reports, Biden appeared to stumble and freeze several times. A snap poll found Trump the clear winner, with 67 per cent of those watching backing his performance to 33 percent for Biden.
Mandatory credit: The White House
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that US President Joe Biden was 'absolutely not' considering withdrawing from the presidential race, and reiterated the claims that 'jet lag' and a 'cold' were to blame for his poor debate performance last week.
It came following media reports that the president had told a close 'ally' he was considering whether to stay in - while on Tuesday, Democrat representative for Texas Lloyd Doggett became the first in his party to openly call for Biden to step down ahead of the election.
"If the president wants to suspend his campaign, he would also resign, any discussions about that and the vice president assuming his duties?" she was asked.
"No, no, absolutely not", said Jean-Pierre.
The White House press secretary added that Biden traveled across multiple times zones before the clash with Donald Trump.
"That's something that the print pool on that day laid out for all of you and those who read the pool notes. And on top of that, he did have a cold," she added.
She also stated that Biden acknowledged it was not his 'best night'.
"He understands it is fair for people to ask that question. But we cannot forget his record and what he was able to do."
Also during the press briefing, the White House announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine, which includes ammunition for HIMARS systems, interceptors for air defence systems, artillery shells and other weapons.
"It also includes new funding that the Department of Defence will use to purchase rockets for Patriot and NASAMS air defence systems to help Ukraine defend its troops and its civilians against Russia's aerial attacks," Karine Jean-Pierre added.
During last Thursday's debate, Biden and Donald Trump clashed over taxes, the border, Trump's ongoing legal issues, China, the Ukraine conflict - and even their golf handicaps.
According to media reports, Biden appeared to stumble and freeze several times. A snap poll found Trump the clear winner, with 67 per cent of those watching backing his performance to 33 percent for Biden.