Julian Castro says Joe Biden is in 'denial' about his issues, calls POTUS' interview after debate 'not good enough'

WASHINGTON, DC: Julian Castro, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary said President Joe Biden's interview on ABC on Friday, July 5 following the first live debate was “not good enough.”

During his appearance on MSNBC's 'Alex Wagner Tonight', Castro said, “I think the most chilling was when [George] Stephanopoulos asked him, ‘Well, what if you lose to [former President Donald Trump], then how are you gonna feel?’ and President Biden said, ‘Well, as long as I gave it my all,’ that basically that he would feel ok."

“That’s not good enough, for the American people. That’s not good enough with the stakes of Donald Trump winning," he added.

Julian Castro says Joe Biden's ABC interview was 'steadier' than his CNN debate

Joe Biden's ABC interview comes a week after his presidential debate in Atlanta where he appeared to stumble throughout the face-off, sparking concerns among Democrats over his mental fitness and capability to run another four-year term.

Castro stated that the president's post-debate interview was "steadier" than "we saw him in the debate,” but that he is “basically in denial” about matters including “his decline” and poll numbers, according to The Hill.

Julian Castro says Joe Biden is 'very likely to lose to' Donald Trump

Former Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro publicly urged Joe Biden to quit the 2024 presidential race.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, July 2, Castro wrote, “Joe Biden is a good man and has been a good president."

“But last week’s debate disturbingly demonstrated that he is unable to effectively prosecute the case against Donald Trump — much less inspire and mobilize voters to the polls," he continued.

Speaking about Biden's candidacy, Castro wrote, “Sadly, President Biden is not the campaigner he was in 2020 — and looks very likely to lose to Trump, one of the weakest candidates in presidential history."

“I am convinced that a number of other Democrats, including Vice President Harris, stand a better chance of winning," he added.

Joe Biden dismisses suggestions of stepping aside in 2024 race

Despite widespread criticism over his debate performance and calls to quit the race, Joe Biden said in the ABC interview, "If the Lord Almighty came down and said, ‘Joe, get out of the race,’ I’d get out of the race.

"The Lord Almighty’s not comin’ down," he added.

In a recent fundraising mail, the 81-year-old politician stated, “I’m the Democratic Party’s nominee. No one is pushing me out."

"I’m not leaving, I’m in this race to the end, and WE are going to win this election," he continued.

"If that’s all you need to hear, pitch in a few bucks to help [Vice President Harris] and me defeat Donald Trump in November," read the fundraising mail.