Biden tells supporters to ‘stick together’ amid growing calls for him to leave the presidential race

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — President Joe Biden urged supporters to stay unified behind him at a rousing Black church service Sunday where the pastor referenced biblical teachings in declaring “never count Joseph out,” and blamed jealousy for intensifying pressure from some Democrats to abandon his reelection bid.

Speaking from a stage flanked by sunshine from a pair of stained-glass windows at Mount Airy Church of God in Christ in northwest Philadelphia, the 81-year-old Biden laughed off concerns about his age, joking “I know I look 40” but “I’ve been doing this a long time.”

“I, honest to God, have never been more optimistic about America’s future if we stick together,” Biden said. He didn’t use a teleprompter, which has become more common since his disastrous debate performance last month but spoke from a prepared speech.

His remarks followed Pastor Louis Felton likening Biden to Joseph and the biblical story of his “coat of many colors.” Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers, only to eventually obtain a high place in the kingdom of the pharaoh and have his brothers beg him for assistance without initially recognizing him.

“Never count Joseph out,” Felton implored. Then, referring to Democrats who have called on Biden to step aside, he said, “That’s what’s going on, Mr. President. People are jealous of you. Jealous of your stick-to-itiveness, jealous our your favor. Jealous of God’s hand upon your life.”

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