President Joe Biden reportedly told a group of Democratic governors on Wednesday that he needs more sleep.

The president said he aims to finish his workdays by 8 p.m., and joked that while his health is in good shape, “it’s just my brain.”

Biden also disclosed that he had a brief medical check-up following last week’s debate, despite previous White House statements that he had not seen a doctor recently.

During the meeting with 20 governors at the White House, Biden addressed rising concerns about his mental fitness following a faltering performance at his first debate against Donald Trump.

Biden attributed his subpar performance to a “cold and jet lag”. 

At least three Democratic members of Congress have publicly urged Biden to drop out of the race, as polls show a shift in favour of his criminally convicted and twice-impeached Republican rival.

In the hour-long meeting, Biden reassured attendees of his good health after his medical appointment, two participants told Politico.

Before making his health declaration, Biden jokingly knocked on wood.

Campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon clarified that Biden was making a joke, stating he said, “all kidding aside,” and assured that “he was clearly making a joke.”

A campaign statement “reiterated his determination to defeat the existential threat” to prevent Trump’s return to the White House.

Following the meeting, governors expressed their support for Biden.

“We’re working together just to make very, very clear that a path to victory in November is the No. 1 priority and that’s the No. 1 priority of the president,” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz told reporters.

Governor Gavin Newsom echoed this sentiment on social media, he said: “Joe Biden’s had our back. Now it’s time to have his.”

Biden’s recent check-up, described as brief and non-exhaustive, was conducted days after the debate due to his cold symptoms.

This revelation followed White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s assurance that Biden merely had a cold and had not seen a doctor since the debate.

She added that Biden’s regular annual physicals are thoroughly reported.

Jean-Pierre also denied rumours of Biden having any degenerative brain disease, urging that similar scrutiny be applied to Trump’s campaign. She acknowledged that Biden “did not have a great night” during the debate but pointed to his ability to deliver for the American people.

First lady Jill Biden reiterated this, telling Vogue that “those 90 minutes” should not overshadow Biden’s four-year presidency.

Wednesday’s meeting marked Biden’s latest effort to demonstrate his readiness for another term.

Earlier, the president participated in a Zoom call with campaign and Democratic National Committee staff, asserting that “no one’s pushing me out.”

Biden is scheduled for an interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos at 8 p.m. ET on Friday.