Biden Firmly Committed to White House Race Amid Debate Fallout
President Joe Biden is unwavering in his bid for re-election, despite increased scrutiny following a challenging debate performance against Donald Trump, his spokeswoman confirmed on Wednesday.
The aftermath of the recent debate has sparked concern among Democrats, with internal discussions about potentially seeking a new candidate for the upcoming November election. Polls have shown Trump widening his lead, exacerbating these anxieties.
Reports from The New York Times and CNN indicated that Biden, 81, acknowledged to a key ally that his campaign needed a swift turnaround to reassure the public of his capability to lead. However, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed these claims, stating, “The president is clear-eyed and he is staying in the race.”
During a call with campaign and party staff, Biden reinforced his commitment, declaring, “I’m in this race to the end, and we’re going to win. Just as we beat Donald Trump in 2020, we’re going to beat him again in 2024.”
In an emergency meeting with Democratic governors, Biden reiterated his resolve, receiving unanimous support. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Minnesota’s Tim Walz, and New York’s Kathy Hochul expressed their backing, with Walz affirming Biden’s fitness to serve. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a potential successor, stated on social media, “He is in it to win it and I support him.”
Biden has openly admitted his debate performance was subpar, candidly addressing it in a radio interview. “I screwed up. I made a mistake. That’s 90 minutes on stage. Look at what I’ve done in 3.5 years,” he said.
The Biden campaign is working diligently to reassure donors and voters that the debate was an isolated incident. Nonetheless, party members are concerned about the handling of the situation, especially in light of a New York Times poll showing Trump leading Biden 49% to 43%.
Criticism has emerged over Biden’s response time, with some Democratic operatives suggesting the aftermath may be more damaging than the debate itself. Biden is set to demonstrate his agility in an upcoming interview with ABC News and during visits to key swing states.
The president attributed his debate performance to fatigue, explaining his extensive travel beforehand. However, he had ample time in the U.S. for rest and preparation before the debate.
Some Democratic lawmakers have publicly voiced their concerns. Arizona congressman Raul Grijalva suggested the party should consider other options, while supporters from Biden’s hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, expressed sympathy for him but noted the absence of campaign signs.
“I was embarrassed for him. I felt he didn’t feel well and he probably shouldn’t have gone on the stage,” remarked 73-year-old Jamie Hayes.
