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Biden acknowledges bad debate performance, but vows Trump’s defeat

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2024

President Joe Biden said on Friday he intended to defeat Republican rival Donald Trump in the November presidential election, giving no sign he would consider dropping out of the race.

Biden was speaking after a feeble debate performance that dismayed his fellow Democrats.

“I know I’m not a young man, to state the obvious,” an ebullient Biden said at a rally one day after the head-to-head showdown with his Republican rival – a showdown widely viewed as a defeat for the 81-year-old president.

“I don’t walk as easy as I used to; I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to; I don’t debate as well as I used to,” he said, as the crowd chanted “four more years.”

“I would not be running again if I didn’t believe with all my heart and soul that I could do this job. The stakes are too high,” Biden said.

Biden’s verbal mumbles and occasionally meandering responses in the debate heightened voter concerns that he might not be fit to serve another four-year term.

This prompted some of his fellow Democrats to wonder whether they could replace him as their candidate for the Nov. 5 U.S. election.

Campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler said no conversations were taking place about that possibility.

“We’d rather have one bad night than a candidate with a bad vision for where he wants to take the country,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One.

The campaign handlers held an “all-hands-on-deck” meeting on Friday afternoon to reassure staffers that Biden was not dropping out of the race, according to two people familiar with the meeting.

Though Trump, 78, put forward a series of falsehoods throughout the debate, the focus afterward was squarely on Biden, especially among Democrats.

Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic Party leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, avoided answering directly when asked whether he still had faith in Biden’s candidacy.

“I support the ticket. I support the Senate Democratic majority. We’re going to do everything possible to take back the House in November. Thank you, everyone,” he told reporters.

Some other Democrats likewise demurred when asked if Biden should stay in the race.

“That’s the president’s decision,” Democratic Senator Jack Reed told a local TV station in Rhode Island.

But several of the party’s most senior figures, including former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, said they were sticking with Biden.

“Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and somebody who only cares about himself,” former Democratic president, Obama wrote on X.

The New York Times editorial board that endorsed Biden in 2020, called on him to drop out of the race to give the Democratic Party a better chance of beating Trump by picking another candidate.

“The greatest public service Mr Biden can now perform is to announce that he will not continue to run for re-election,” the editorial said.

The Biden campaign said it raised 14 million dollars on Thursday and Friday and posted its single best hour of fundraising immediately after the Thursday night debate.

The Trump campaign said it raised 8 million dollars on the night of the debate.

One possible bright spot for Biden: preliminary viewership data indicated that only 48 million Americans watched the debate, far short of the 73 million who watched the candidates’ last face-off in 2020.

Biden, already the oldest American president in history, faced only token opposition during the party’s months-long nominating contest, and he has secured enough support to guarantee his spot as the Democratic nominee.

Trump likewise overcame his intra-party challengers early in the year, setting the stage for a long and bitter general election fight.

If Biden were to step aside, the party would have less than two months to pick another nominee at its national convention, which starts on Aug. 19 – a potentially messy process that could pit Kamala Harris, the nation’s first Black female vice president, against governors and other officeholders whose names have been floated as possible replacements.

At an afternoon rally in Chesapeake, Virginia, Trump told supporters that he had a “big victory against a man looking to destroy our country.”

“Joe Biden’s problem is not his age. It’s his competence,” Trump said.

Trump advisers said they thought the debate would bolster their chances in Democratic-leaning states like Virginia, which has not backed a Republican presidential candidate since 2004.

Beforehand, some Trump supporters said they were struck by Biden’s poor performance. “I’m scared they are going to replace him and put up somebody more competitive,” said Mike Boatman, who added that he had attended more than 90 Trump rallies.

Trump fundraisers said they were fielding enthusiastic calls from donors.

“Anyone who raises money knows there’s a time to go to donors, and this is one of those watershed moments,” said Ed McMullen, who served as ambassador to Switzerland during Trump’s presidency.

Questions about Trump’s fitness for office have also arisen over his conviction last month in New York for covering up a hush money payment to a porn star, his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, and his chaotic term in office.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, just days before his party convenes to nominate him formally.

He still faces three other criminal indictments, though none appears likely to reach trial before November.

Biden’s shaky performance in the debate drew stunned global reactions on Friday, prompting public calls for him to step aside thus giving some of America’s closest allies a hefty encouragement to steel up for Trump’s return.

News

Just In: NAF Helicopter crashes in Kaduna

Published

4 hours ago

July 1, 2024

NewsDirect

By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna

One of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) helicopter has crashed in the early hours of Monday in Tami village, located in the Igabi local government area of Kaduna State.

According to ryewitness reports, the incident occurred at about 5:00am, causing significant alarm among villagers.

The helicopter, on a routine operational flight, experienced technical difficulties that led to the crash. Fortunately, the pilot managed to execute emergency protocols effectively, ensuring his own survival.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the pilot emerged from the wreckage unscathed. Residents of Tami village quickly gathered at the crash site, offering assistance where possible and expressing relief that no live was lost.

“We heard a loud noise and rushed to the scene. We were surprised and relieved to see the pilot alive,” said a villager who witnessed the crash.

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Mbayion, BEMOA, others throw weight behind Alia, Speaker Dajoh

Published

5 hours ago

July 1, 2024

NewsDirect

By Titus Atondu, Makurdi

The elders of Mbayion and Yandev clans from Gboko local government area of the state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have unanimously agreed to support the administration of Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the executive governor of Benue state and the Speaker of the 10th Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh (The Atonko u Mbatiav) for sustainable deliverance of democracy dividends to the masses of the state.

In similar vein, the Gboko local government area chapter of the Benue Motorcycle Hirers Association (BEMOA), Gboko branch also pledged their total loyalty and support to the Governor of the state and the Speaker of the state Assembly for more economic stability and infrastructural development in the state.

The three groups made their position known on Sunday when Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Dajoh, met with the esteemed Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of Mbayion clan led by Elder Atsenda Ishwa Iortim in Gboko to appreciate them for coming out in their numbers to welcome the Governor during his thank you tour recently.

“I also had a meeting with the stakeholders of BEMOA, Gboko branch and appreciated them for their support on the day of Gov. Alia’s thank you visit to Gboko.

“In addition, I had a productive meeting with Hon. Batholomew Igbanum (Batho) in Yandev alongside his kinsmen who all agreed to support the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia to bring more development to our dear State,” Speaker disclosed.

Nigerian NewsDirect reports that the Honourable Speaker (Atonko u Mbatiav) was accompanied by Rt. Hon. Cephas Dyako, Hon. Solomon Gyila and Hon. Solomon Jiji Aluor.

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OGSOSA old students reunite to give back, celebrate 40 years milestone

Published

5 hours ago

July 1, 2024

NewsDirect

By Sodiq Adelakun

Members of the Old Students Association of Odogbolu Grammar School’s 1979/84 set gathered on Friday, June 28, to commemorate significant milestones and reaffirm their commitment to supporting their alma mater.

The occasion marked 45 years since their admission to the school and 40 years since their graduation.

Speaking at the 40th-anniversary press conference, The Alumni President, Bolade Ogunfodun (BOT) emphasised the association’s dedication to giving back to the institution that shaped their formative years.

Highlighting their contributions over the years, President Ogunfodun announced the completion of a block of renovated classrooms, the provision of 120 new ironed chairs, and support for sporting activities among others.

“The essence of our reunion is to give back,” President Ogunfodun stated, reiterating the alumni’s ongoing commitment to enhancing educational facilities and opportunities at Odogbolu Grammar School.

Among the distinguished alumni present was Prof. Adebola Osipitan, a former president and head boy of the 79/84 set, who spoke passionately about the alumni’s broader impact.

He revealed that the association has been creating welfare and job opportunities for members’ children and extending assistance to students and teachers alike.

“We began our efforts while some of us were still students, Our approach has always prioritised collaboration over pressure, laying a strong foundation for the association’s enduring structure,” Prof. Osipitan said.

Meanwhile, former students gathered to reminisce about their alma mater, recalling tough but transformative discipline, coordinated efforts among peers, and other formative experiences that shaped their lives.

In response to the reunion, Vice Principal Mr Oyibo expressed gratitude for the alumni’s commitment to their school and praised their initiative in launching projects aimed at benefiting current teachers and students.