Biden’s Family Rallies Behind Him After Debate Performance
President Joe Biden’s family is urging him to stay the course despite calls for him to step aside following a challenging debate against Republican Donald Trump. Over the weekend, Biden spent time with his relatives at Camp David, where they encouraged him to keep fighting, according to CBS News.
Concerns have grown within his party after a disjointed performance in Atlanta, leading to increased worries about his age. At 81, Biden’s ability to serve has come under scrutiny, with a CBS News/YouGov poll revealing that 72% of registered Democratic voters question his mental and cognitive health. Nearly half believe he should step down.
Despite these concerns, Biden’s campaign team and family believe he remains the best candidate to defeat Trump. The family gathering, which included a photoshoot by celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz, saw his wife Jill, children, and grandchildren in attendance. Jill Biden told Vogue that they “will not let those 90 minutes define the four years he’s been president” and emphasized that her husband “will always do what’s best for the country.”
Reports suggest some family members attribute Biden’s poor debate performance to over-preparation by his aides. However, Jill Biden has not criticized his team. Concerns about both candidates’ ages were already present before the debate, as Trump is only three years younger than Biden at 78. Biden’s performance, characterized by a weak voice and muddled answers, has intensified calls for him to step aside.
The New York Times editorial board even suggested that the “greatest public service [Biden] can now perform is to announce that he will not continue to run for re-election.” Trump also faced criticism for his performance, including making false claims about the 2020 election being stolen.
Top Democrats defended Biden on Sunday morning shows. Senator Chris Coons remarked, “When you get knocked down, you get back up and you fight harder.” Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin acknowledged the possibility of Biden not being the candidate come the Democratic convention in August but emphasized that Biden would still play a crucial role. “Whether he’s the candidate or someone else is the candidate, he’s going to be the keynote speaker at our convention. He will be the figure that we rally around to move forward,” Raskin said.
Republicans, meanwhile, pointed to the debate as evidence of Trump’s suitability. “Joe Biden had a disastrous performance, which is why they’re talking about replacing him,” said Republican Senator JD Vance on Fox News.
If Biden were to step aside, the Democratic Party could potentially find a new candidate in time for the
