Gavin Newsom supports Joe Biden after debate.

California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) reaffirmed his support for President Joe Biden following the recent CNN debate, despite rising concerns within the Democratic party about Biden’s performance.

At the 90-minute debate in Atlanta, Georgia, Biden gave meandering responses and appeared vulnerable as he allowed former President Donald Trump’s falsehoods on various issues to go unchallenged, including the economy and the January 6, 2021, insurrection.

Although Newsom was once seen as a potential frontrunner for the 2024 Democratic nomination in case Biden opted not to seek re-election, he dismissed the growing unease among Democrats as “unhelpful” and “unnecessary.”

“We must stand by the president, keep our heads high, and show our support,” Newsom told MSNBC’s Alex Wagner. “We can’t turn our backs on him after just one performance. That’s not how a party should act.”

Despite this, many party members believe Biden failed to allay voters’ concerns about his age and capability to lead at a crucial moment in the campaign, especially as polls indicate a neck-and-neck race between him and Trump. Some are privately hoping Biden will step down to make way for a younger candidate.

At 81, Biden is the oldest president in U.S. history and would be 86 at the end of a potential second term.

“Biden had one job tonight, and he didn’t fulfill it,” former Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) remarked on MSNBC. “He needed to reassure America that he is up for the task at his age, and he failed to do so.”

However, Newsom opted to emphasize Biden’s track record, describing his presidency as a “masterclass.”

“This president has achieved significant results,” the governor stated. “It is our duty to reciprocate at this critical juncture.”

The California Democrat highlighted that the continuous speculation surrounding Biden is not beneficial for American democracy, especially when the world is looking to the U.S. for guidance.

“The world needs us to step up right now, and that is precisely what I intend to do,” Newsom added.

During an interview with MSNBC, Alex Wagner challenged Governor Newsom on whether Biden should consider stepping down, to which Newsom responded, “You don’t abandon someone after one performance. What kind of party would do that?”

“This president has delivered. We need to stand by him at this moment,” Newsom emphasized.

Amidst the ongoing discussions about Biden’s future, Newsom remains steadfast in his support of the president and his achievements, while urging unity within the Democratic party during this critical period.