In the face of mounting doubts about his ability to defeat Donald Trump and speculation about his future in politics, Joe Biden is escalating his defiance and declaring his commitment to the race. However, he finds himself fighting against a rising tide of criticism as Democrats express concerns over his disastrous debate performance and question his fitness for office.

As Biden seeks to regroup for what may be the most critical 48 hours of his political career, he plans to gather with family members at the White House for Independence Day, hoping for a slow news day that can offer him a chance to strategize for his reelection campaign. The pressure has intensified as more Democrats question whether he can overcome his recent setbacks.

Following his unequivocal declaration that he is in the race to win, Biden met with 20 Democratic governors at the White House in an attempt to demonstrate his energy and leadership abilities. Additionally, a crucial interview with ABC News looms on Friday, presenting a new challenge for Biden to prove himself capable of providing a nimble and forceful performance.

Every public appearance of Biden's is now under scrutiny, as his campaign stops in swing states are parsed for any slip-up or sign of vulnerability that reinforces the image he created for himself during the debate: that of a diminished commander in chief. Despite spooked campaign staff and mounting difficulties, Biden reassured them on a phone call that he is staying in the race and that no one is pushing him out.

However, Biden's assurances and explanations have failed to assuage concerns, with super majorities of voters doubting his fitness for another term at the age of 86. The White House's attempts to attribute his struggles in Atlanta to jet lag and a cold have only shone a spotlight on the core issue—whether Biden is up to the demanding responsibilities of the presidency.

The credibility of the White House has also come into question regarding Biden's health. Initially, it was stated that he had not undergone any medical examination following the debate, only for a spokesperson to later claim that Biden was examined by his physician in the days afterward, raising further doubts about the consistency of information coming from the administration.

Public opinion polls have also delivered bad news for Biden, with a New York Times/Siena College survey showing Trump leading by 49% to 43% among likely voters nationally, marking a three-point swing in favor of the former president since before the debate. The CNN Poll of Polls indicates a five-point lead for Trump in head-to-head polls conducted entirely after the debate. Rather than gaining ground, Biden is trending in the wrong direction, failing to take advantage of the debate as an opportunity to reset the race.

Faced with a disintegrating campaign, Biden has been engaging in strategic conversations with key Democratic power brokers and recording radio interviews in swing states. However, some Democratic lawmakers have begun voicing concerns about Biden's candidacy, with a call among top party leadership revealing a growing sentiment that he should step aside. They worry about the potential frenzy that would ensue should Biden withdraw and leave a power vacuum on the presidential ticket.

While the Trump campaign appears to be preparing for the possibility of a Biden exit, with co-campaign chairs warning of a relentless attack on any replacement candidate, Biden's vehement vows to stay in the race may be influenced by reports suggesting he understands the gravity of the coming days. A succession plan is reportedly taking shape, with the potential for Biden to throw his support behind the vice president to avoid a divisive nomination fight.

As Biden continues to navigate the aftershocks of his debate performance, every move he makes is receiving heightened scrutiny. Even a ceremony to award the Medal of Honor to Civil War soldiers was carried live on cable TV, underscoring the fact that every action will be filtered through the lens of his debate failure.

While there are still supporters urging Biden to reshape public perceptions of his capabilities, time is running short. With a critical period ahead to connect with the American people and regain momentum, Biden's political future hangs in the balance.