Biden's Campaign Faces Internal Struggles After Debate Performance
The President of the United States, Joe Biden, is grappling with the aftermath of a subpar performance in the first presidential debate against former President Donald Trump. The debate, which took place in Atlanta, has stirred concerns within the Democratic Party about Biden's ability to secure a victory in the upcoming November elections. Despite a strong speech in North Carolina following the debate, reports indicate that Biden felt 'humiliated and insecure' about his performance.
Biden's family, including First Lady Jill Biden, gathered at Camp David for a prearranged meeting that some speculated would involve discussions about the future of his campaign. However, the White House and campaign officials denied these claims, stating that any campaign discussions would be informal. Anita Dunn, one of Biden's closest advisers, confirmed that the 81-year-old president had not discussed retiring from the race with his associates and that internal conversations were focused on next steps.
Democratic Party's Divided Stance
Publicly, Democratic leaders have voiced their support for Biden, with figures like former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton endorsing him. However, private conversations reveal a different sentiment. Senior Democrats, including Hakeem Jeffries, Jim Clyburn, and Nancy Pelosi, have expressed concerns about Biden's capabilities. A House Democrat, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned that several colleagues shared the belief that Biden should consider stepping down.
The debate has also sparked a discussion about the best strategy to defeat Trump. Some Democrats argue that sticking with Biden, despite his age and recent debate performance, is the best course of action. Others believe that a new candidate could be more effective. However, there is no clear replacement for Biden, and his potential retirement could lead to internal party conflicts, ultimately benefiting Trump.
Jill Biden addressed the criticism at a fundraising event, emphasizing that her husband always gets back up after a fall. She reassured supporters that the debate performance would not define his presidency. Meanwhile, journalists and media outlets like MSNBC's Joe Scarborough and The New York Times' Thomas Friedman have called for Biden to drop out of the race.
Despite the internal turmoil, Biden remains confident in his ability to do the job. At a rally in North Carolina, he acknowledged his difficulties but reaffirmed his commitment to the presidency. His campaign continues to focus on meetings and debates, aiming to reassure party officials and allies that they can weather the storm.
- The Biden campaign has been actively engaging with members of the Democratic National Committee to reassure them of the president's capabilities. A senior campaign official emphasized that the team is in touch with its allies and is driving the campaign forward.
- Sources within the Democratic Party have described three distinct groups: those who will defend Biden under any circumstance, those ready to abandon him, and those waiting to see future poll results before making a decision. Party leaders are closely monitoring this last group.
- A significant concern among Democrats is the lack of a clear replacement for Biden. His retirement could lead to a chaotic internal battle, potentially handing victory to Trump. The party's leadership believes that Biden, in consultation with his family, is the only one who can decide whether to continue or step down.
