 The president claimed average Democrats want him to stay. He again insisted his debate performance was due to an illness. He added the 14 million people who took part in the primary process voted for him, and he deserves to be heard. Closing arguments begin in New York City this afternoon in the federal corruption trial of Senator Bob Menendez. Lawyers for Menendez will get one last chance to try to convince the jury the government hasn't proven that New Jersey senior senator sold out his office in exchange for gold bars, wads of cash, and a Mercedes.