Democrats on battleground states are not supporting Biden after a bad debate.
After what many have deemed a disastrous performance in the recent presidential debate, President Biden is finding himself abandoned by some of his fellow Democrats who are facing potential losses to Republicans in upcoming elections. Not a single Democrat stepped forward to defend him, leaving the president to weather the storm alone.
The absence of support was particularly notable from senators Jacky Rosen of Nevada, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Jon Tester of Montana, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, and Sherrod Brown of Ohio. These senators, who have previously shown quick praise for President Biden, were noticeably silent following the debate.
For instance, Senator Jon Tester had previously commended Biden, stating, “absolutely 100% with it,” and asserting that he is doing a good job. However, Tester’s words have now been used against him by Republicans in ads across the state, highlighting the contrast between his past support and current silence.
In a similar fashion, Senator Baldwin’s campaign distanced itself from Biden after the debate, emphasizing that she is focused on running her own race for the people of Wisconsin. This shift in narrative reflects the political tightrope that some Democrats are walking as they navigate the fallout from the debate.
On the House side, Democratic nominees for Senate in various states also opted not to defend Biden when questioned about the debate. Representatives such as Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Colin Allred of Texas, Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland chose not to voice support for the president, leaving observers to speculate on the implications of their silence.
Meanwhile, some House Democrats who are facing tough reelection battles, like Representative Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, have taken a cautious approach to addressing questions about Biden’s performance. Kaptur’s encounter with a GOP operative at the airport, captured in a video posted by the National Republican Congressional Committee, showcased the delicate dance that politicians in competitive races must engage in when confronted about their party leader.
Ohio Representative Greg Landsman, who is also bracing for a challenging reelection campaign, chose to acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding Biden’s standing while reaffirming his commitment to serving his constituents. Landsman’s focus on the needs of the people he represents underscores the balancing act that politicians must perform in aligning their personal beliefs with the political currents of the moment.
As the fallout from the debate reverberates through political circles, the absence of vocal support for President Biden from within his own party raises questions about the internal dynamics at play. The shifting allegiances and strategic calculations of Democratic lawmakers facing tough reelection battles illustrate the complexities of modern political discourse and the challenges of maintaining solidarity within the party fold.
