Biden addresses poor debate performance and attacks Trump at rally in Raleigh

President Joe Biden on Friday addressed his poor performance in Thursday’s presidential debate, just hours after failing onstage in a face-off with former President Donald Trump.

A senior campaign aide told ABC News the president is “absolutely” not considering dropping out of the race after failing to find answers and is ready for a second debate. During the rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, a more energetic-looking Biden acknowledged he is no longer a young man but claimed his morals and past show he is still fit for the job.

“Folks, I don’t walk as loosely as I used to. I don’t speak as fluently as I used to. I can’t debate as well as I used to, but … I know how to tell the truth. I know right from wrong and I know how to do this job,” he told the roaring crowd. “I know, as millions of Americans know, that when you get knocked down, you get back up.”

The crowd chanted “Four more years” throughout the event, which included remarks from First Lady Jill Biden.

Biden spent much of the rally pointing out what he believed were Trump’s false claims during the debate on the economy, immigration and crime.

“I spent 90 minutes on stage debating a guy who has the morals of a stray,” Biden said, repeating a witty remark from the debate. “I think he set a new record for the number of lies told in a debate.”

Biden continued to insist on Trump’s conviction in a New York criminal court as well as pending criminal and civil proceedings.

“Donald Trump is not just a convicted felon. Donald Trump is a one-man crime wave,” the president said.

Biden also reiterated that Trump helped roll back abortion rights for women across the country and claimed the former president and “MAGA Republicans” are pushing for a national abortion ban.

“I made it clear last night: You re-elect me and Kamala (Harris). We will make Roe v. Wade the law of the land,” he said.

Jill Biden, who wore a dress with the word “Vote” written all over it, also defended his appearance.

“What you saw on the debate stage last night was Joe Biden, a president of integrity and character, who told the truth,” she said. “And Donald Trump told lie after lie.”

Biden told reporters immediately after the debate that he had a sore throat and was not concerned about his performance.

“It’s hard to argue with a liar,” he said.

When the president and first lady landed in Raleigh early Friday morning, they were greeted on the tarmac by prominent North Carolina Democrats, including state Senate Minority Leader Dan Blue, and about 250 supporters.

Biden spoke to his supporters and took photos with them before leaving the airport.

Following the rally in Raleigh, the President traveled to New York City to speak at the grand opening ceremony of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, the first LGBTQIA+ visitor center within the National Park System.

Biden will end his day with a closed campaign reception in New York.

ABC News’ Mary Alice Parks contributed to this report.