Biden talks to Democratic leaders to address debate aftermath
President Biden has been actively engaging with Democratic leaders following his recent debate performance that has raised concerns about his ability to run for another term in office. On Wednesday, Mr. Biden spoke with key allies such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Rep. Jim Clyburn, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Delaware Sen. Chris Coons as part of his efforts to address the fallout from his rocky debate appearance.
The White House pushed back against reports from The New York Times claiming that Mr. Biden is contemplating his future in the race, with a spokesperson dismissing the speculation as “absolutely false.” Additionally, President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris participated in an all-staff campaign call where the president expressed his determination to continue running for reelection and defeat former President Donald Trump in November.
Despite facing criticism for his debate performance, the Biden campaign has attributed his lackluster showing to a cold and a demanding travel schedule. The president himself acknowledged the challenges he has faced in recent days, emphasizing his commitment to stay in the race until the end and secure a victory for the Democratic party.
As cracks began to appear in Mr. Biden’s support base within the Democratic party, some lawmakers have openly called for him to withdraw from the race. A group of “frontline” House Democrats is reportedly circulating a letter urging the president to step aside as the presumptive nominee, potentially leading to further defections if more lawmakers join the movement.
While many elected Democrats initially stood by President Biden, some members of the party have started to question his fitness for office and consider the way forward. Calls for the president to reassure voters, Democrats, and donors about his capabilities have grown stronger. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested that Mr. Biden should engage with serious journalists to demonstrate his readiness for the job.
Outside of political circles, there has been concern among donors about the president’s performance and the impact on the campaign. Public opinion also appears to be shifting, with a recent CBS News poll showing a slight lead for former President Trump across battleground states and nationally.
In response to the mounting pressure, President Biden is set to meet with Democratic governors at the White House to rally support from party leaders. Should he decide to withdraw from the race, the Democratic party would face challenges in selecting a new nominee, potentially leading to a contested convention later this summer.
Despite the growing scrutiny, President Biden’s family remains a source of support, urging him to stay in the race and continue the fight. As the campaign grapples with the aftermath of the debate, the spotlight remains on how the president will navigate the challenges ahead.
Overall, the developments following the debate underscore the tensions within the Democratic party and the uncertainties surrounding the upcoming election. With the race tightening and calls for change mounting, the path forward for President Biden and the Democratic party remains uncertain.
