Biden addresses Black church service as calls grow for him to step aside

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 colours. Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers, only to ...