Democrats are unhappy with Biden’s debate but continue to support him
After the highly-anticipated first presidential debate between President Biden and former President Donald Trump, the reviews are in, and the consensus seems clear. While many congressional Democrats acknowledge that it wasn’t President Biden’s best performance, there is a prevailing sentiment to stick with him and focus on his record and substance.
Even though there have been some calls within the Democratic party ranks to consider another nominee following the debate, several influential figures like Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly and Pennsylvania Rep. Madeleine Dean expressed disappointment with Biden’s debate performance. Representative Angie Craig from Minnesota described the debate as terrible and conveyed that she is still processing what happened.
On the other hand, longtime Biden ally Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, who played a crucial role in Biden’s victory during the presidential primary and nomination, urged nervous Democrats to “stay the course.” He highlighted Biden’s dedication to serving the American people and attributed his debate performance to stylistic issues, emphasizing the importance of focusing on substance over style.
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi echoed Clyburn’s sentiment, emphasizing the stark contrast between integrity and dishonesty displayed during the debate. Former President Obama also weighed in, stressing the importance of the upcoming election as a choice between someone who has consistently fought for ordinary Americans and someone who prioritizes self-interest.
While some Democratic lawmakers like Rep. Tom Suozzi and Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen expressed concerns about Biden’s performance and whether it could impact his ability to serve another term, others opted to downplay the situation. Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan stressed the need to wait and see how things unfold, while Rep. Robert Garcia of California expressed confidence that Biden will remain the nominee.
Addressing concerns about his health, the White House confirmed that President Biden was suffering from a cold during the debate, describing it as “nothing unusual.” Despite criticism of his performance, the Biden campaign reaffirmed its commitment to the current strategy and dismissed any speculations about a change in nominee.
In a campaign rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, President Biden candidly acknowledged his age and limitations, but reiterated his commitment to honesty and serving the American people. As chants of “Joe” and “four more years” filled the air, Biden remained steadfast in his dedication to truthfulness.
