“I’m fine,” Biden says on the campaign trail as he jokes that he’s “only 41”

US President Joe Biden seeks to reinvigorate his re-election campaign on Friday (12) in the crucial state of Michigan. The Democrat tried to reassure voters about his mental capacity and warn of the dangers posed by his Republican rival, Donald Trump.

Biden made a surprise stop at a Detroit-area restaurant where he told attendees he plans to “finish the job.” The president also said of Trump that “the alternative is not a great alternative.”

Addressing recent health concerns, Biden said, “I assure you … I’m fine.” When a woman laughed at his joke that he was “only 41,” Biden joked, “God loves you, you’re like my sister.”

As Air Force One flew to Detroit, campaign spokesman Michael Tyler told reporters that donations had “exploded” during the president’s press conference Thursday night (11), reaching seven times the normal level.

Biden got a boost earlier in the day when two top Democrats — Representative James Clyburn and California Governor Gavin Newsom — said he should stay in the race.

But there were also signs that his support was weakening overall, with two more lawmakers calling for him to step down.

“It’s time to move on. With a new leader,” Rep. Mike Levin said in a statement. Like many others who have called for a change at the top of the ticket, the lawmaker faces an uphill battle for re-election this year.

At least 19 lawmakers have called on the president to step down so the party can nominate another candidate, following his poor performance in the presidential debate. CNN June 27, against Republican Donald Trump.

The Sunrise Movement, an environmental group, also called on him to end his campaign, citing low enthusiasm among young voters.

Biden, however, has repeatedly said he intends to remain his party’s representative in the election. And he retains the support of key party figures.

“I’m with Biden no matter which direction he goes,” Clyburn told NBC’s “Today” show. Newson offered his support in an interview with CBS.

The 83-year-old congressman is a respected voice among African-Americans, whose support is crucial to Biden’s 2024 campaign. Newson, 56, is one of the governors seen as the future of the party.

Concern among Democrats

Democrats are worried that the president’s low approval ratings and growing fears that he is too old to serve another term could cost them seats in the House of Representatives and Senate.

As he worked to stem more defections, Biden called lawmakers from Hispanic, Asian and centrist Democrats, according to aides. While the two top Latino leaders have endorsed Biden, other members have not stated their positions.

The New York Times reported that anonymous donors said nearly $90 million in support of Biden’s campaign would remain on hold while he is in the race.

Biden and other Democrats have warned that a sweeping policy agenda crafted by conservatives, called Project 2025, would give Trump a blank check to pursue his whims.

Thursday’s (11) press conference provided fodder for Biden supporters and skeptics alike.

At one point, the president referred to his vice president, Kamala Harris, as “Vice President Trump.” Hours earlier, he mistook Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for “President Putin” at a NATO summit.