President Joe Biden informed over 20 Democratic governors that he is in excellent physical condition, except for his cognitive function, during a discussion about the future of his presidential campaign on Wednesday, according to sources cited by the New York Times.

Biden reassured the governors that despite increasing pressure for him to withdraw from the presidential race, he intends to continue, as reported by two meeting participants and several others briefed on his remarks to the NYT. When asked about his health by Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, the 81-year-old stated that everything was fine except for his “brain.”

“It’s just my brain,” Biden told Green, which at least one governor took as a serious comment that left them confused, the NYT reported. At least three others in the room apparently said they interpreted the comment as a joke.

“He was clearly making a joke,” Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s campaign chair, told the NYT, adding that he said “all kidding aside” after the comment.

According to the New York Times, Biden informed the governors that his recent trips to France, California, and Italy negatively impacted his performance during the debate. He expressed the need for more rest to his staff, but admitted to pushing himself beyond their recommendations. Additionally, Biden mentioned the necessity of working fewer hours and avoiding late-night events, as reported by a source familiar with his comments to the NYT.

Despite maintaining a public image of staying in the race, a trusted associate revealed to the NYT that Biden is contemplating the possibility of salvaging his candidacy. The ally, granted anonymity by the publication, emphasized the importance of Biden excelling in his upcoming public appearances to address concerns about his age.