Biden concedes debate fumbles but declares he will defend democracy

US President Joe Biden forcefully tried on Friday to quell Democratic anxieties over his unsteady showing in his debate with former president Donald Trump, as elected members of his party closed ranks around him in an effort to shut down talk of replacing him. Mr Biden’s halting delivery and meandering comments, particularly early in Thursday evening’s debate, fuelled concerns from even members of his own party that at the age of 81 he is capable of leading the country for another four years. Even before the debate, Mr Biden’s age had been a liability with voters, and Thursday’s debate appeared to reinforce the public’s deep-seated concerns before perhaps the largest audience he will garner before ballots are cast.