Joe Biden Addresses Presidential Debate Performance: 'Don't Speak as Smoothly as I Used to'

Biden and Donald Trump took the stage in Atlanta for an unprecedented presidential debate Thursday

President Joe Biden is speaking out after his performance at the 2024 presidential debate against Donald Trump sparked concern.

Biden, 81, and Trump, 78, the two oldest U.S. presidents in history, took their separate podiums in Atlanta on Thursday, June 27. In the end, many political strategists were worried about Biden's weak performance, and bothered by the lies Trump told from the stage.

During the debate, Biden appeared disoriented, his voice was noticeably muffled and he had difficulty keeping up with Trump's fast-talking, reinforcing fears about his age. (A source familiar later told PEOPLE that he had a cold.)

Biden has since addressed his performance, telling supporters at a rally in Raleigh, N.C. on Friday, June 28, "I don't walk as easily as I used to. I don't speak as smoothly as I used to. I don't debate as well as I used to. But I know what I do know, I know how to tell the truth!"

Related: Can Joe Biden Be Replaced on the Democratic Ticket? What the DNC Rules Say About Switching Nominees

Despite concerns, Barack Obama still has faith in his former Vice President's ability to serve as President for a second term.

He weighed in on Biden's performance on X (formerly Twitter), writing, "Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Added Obama: "Between someone who tells the truth; who knows right from wrong and will give it to the American people straight — and someone who lies through his teeth for his own benefit. Last night didn’t change that, and it’s why so much is at stake in November."

Supporters also continue to back Biden as the hour after Thursday's debate was his highest grassroots fundraising hour since formally launching his campaign in April, a Biden-Harris campaign official said. Thursday also marked Biden's best day for overall grassroots funding, the official added.

Related: Biden Campaign Taps A-List Roster for Star-Studded Hollywood Fundraiser: Inside the Operation (Exclusive)

Biden has no plans to exit the race and is preparing to debate Trump a second time in September.

"NEW, as just reported on @CNN: Not only does @POTUS not plan to drop out, Biden remains committed to a second debate in September, an adviser tells me," CNN's Senior White House correspondent Kayle Tausche posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.