WASHINGTON, D.C. — United States President Joe Biden worked forcefully on Friday to quell anxieties over his unsteady showing in his debate with his Republican predecessor Donald Trump, as elected members of his Democratic Party closed ranks around him in an effort to shut down talk of replacing him atop the ticket.

Biden's halting delivery and meandering comments, particularly early in the debate, fueled concerns from even members of his own party that, at age 81, he's not up for the task of leading the country for another four years. It created a crisis moment for Biden's campaign and his presidency, as Democrats flirted with potential replacements, and donors and supporters couldn't contain their concern about his showing against Trump.