President Joe Biden has vowed to stay in the 2024 presidential race, despite heavy criticism following Thursday night’s debate between him and former President Donald Trump.

“I know I’m not a young man, I don’t debate as well as I used to,” Biden told a crowd in North Carolina Friday, “but I know what I do know: I know how to tell the truth.” 

“On my watch, violent crime has hit a 50-year low,” Biden continued. “Then I pointed out that the only convicted felon on stage last night was Donald Trump. Well, I thought about his 34 felony convictions, his sexual assault on a woman in a public place. He’s been fined $400 million for business fraud.”

“I thought to myself, Donald Trump isn’t just a convicted felon. Donald Trump is a one-man crime wave,” he added, as the crowd began eager chants of “lock him up,” referring to Trump.

After what many saw as the worst debate performance by a presidential candidate in contemporary politics, Democrats awoke on Friday with one urgent question: Can President Joe Biden bounce back?

The purpose of the debate on Thursday night was to allay concerns about Biden’s age and vigor, but it just made them stronger. The forum, which was hosted by CNN, was an important one and was probably one of the most watched events of the 2024 campaign.

There are still over four months till the election. While miracles can happen, Biden faces more than just modifying his approach to the campaign or coming up with fresh commercials. Though they can offer encouragement and suggestions, Biden is ultimately in charge. Many are left wondering whether he can succeed following his first debate with Trump.