2024 election updates: Biden returns to the campaign trial following press conference

The House Democratic leader, in a letter to colleagues on Friday, said he met with President Biden privately on Thursday evening.

"Over the past several days, House Democrats have engaged in a thoughtful and extensive discussion about the future of our country, during a time when freedom, democracy and the economic well-being of everyday Americans are on the line," Jeffries wrote. "Our discourse has been candid, clear-eyed and comprehensive."

Hakeem Jeffries met with Biden on Thursday to discuss the path forward

"In my conversation with President Biden, I directly expressed the full breadth of insight, heartfelt perspectives and conclusions about the path forward that the Caucus has shared in our recent time together," Jeffries added.

"I am all in. I'm ridin' with Biden no which direction he goes, no matter what method he takes. I'm with Joe Biden," Rep. Jim Clyburn said on NBC News in his first post-press conference interview.

"And if he were to change his mind ... I would be all in for the vice president," Clyburn said.

The congressman, whose endorsement was key to saving Biden's primary campaign in 2020, said Biden has "earned" the right to make his own determination on his political future.

"I am going to give him that much respect," Clyburn said. "If he decides to change his mind later on, then we would respond to that. We have until the 19th of August to open our convention and so I would hope we spend our time now focusing on the record that we would lay out for the American people, remind the American people what is in store if Project 2025 were to become the law in any form. That is where our focus ought to be."

In his first public event since taking questions from reporters in an open presser on Thursday night, President Joe Biden is heading to the Motor City.

Biden will head to Detroit, Michigan, for campaign-related activities on Friday.

After a day of events, Biden will then travel to the Dover, Delaware, airport as he makes his way to his home in Rehoboth Beach.

President Joe Biden, under the microscope as Democrats debate his political future, tried to make the case that he is best suited to take on Donald Trump this November and finish what he's started in a second term.

In a nearly hourlong solo press conference, Biden faced a room full of reporters for the first time since his poor debate performance two weeks ago sent his party into a panic about his mental fitness and ability to carry out his campaign.

Almost all questions posed to the president focused on those issues, with Biden on defense on everything from his cognitive health to whether he believes his vice president could take on the role.

The president remained adamant that he believes he is the most qualified person to go up against Trump.

"I beat him once, and I will beat him again," Biden said.

Here are several key takeaways Biden's press conference.