WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden scrambled on Wednesday to save his reelection bid, with pressure mounting on him to pull out following a widely criticized debate performance and growing doubts within the Democratic Party about his ability to lead effectively.
The New York Times and CNN reported that Biden, 81, is very well aware of the stakes following his lackluster showing against former President Donald Trump in Atlanta last week. Sources close to Biden revealed concerns that another poor performance could drastically alter his reelection trajectory.
According to The New York Times, Biden conveyed to a key ally his recognition that swift public reassurance of his capabilities is imperative. The White House, however, swiftly denied claims of Biden contemplating withdrawal from the race, dismissing them as “absolutely false.”
Democratic leaders and lawmakers have expressed dismay over what they perceive as inadequate responses and excuses from Biden’s camp following the debate. Concerns have intensified amid polling data suggesting a shift in once-secure Biden states like New Hampshire, Virginia, and New Mexico towards Trump.
A recent CNN survey highlighted that a significant portion of voters believe Democrats would fare better under new leadership, underscoring the challenges facing Biden’s reelection bid.
Criticism has also emerged within Democratic circles over the handling of Biden’s debate performance aftermath, with some party operatives suggesting that the response could be more damaging than the debate itself.
Acknowledging Biden’s “bad night” during the debate, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre attributed his performance partly to fatigue and denied speculations about his health, including allegations of dementia.
In an effort to quell concerns within the party, Biden has scheduled a meeting with all 23 Democratic governors and plans campaign visits to pivotal swing states such as Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. His first post-debate interview with ABC News on Friday is seen as a critical opportunity to reset the narrative.
Despite assurances from Biden’s team about his fitness for office, reports in The New York Times have suggested increasing concerns among those interacting with the president about his mental acuity.
Democratic lawmakers have started voicing their uncertainties publicly, with some suggesting Biden may not prevail against Trump in the November election and others advocating for a change in leadership.
While prominent figures like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congressman James Clyburn have defended Biden in the past, there is growing acknowledgment within Democratic ranks of the legitimacy of concerns about his ability to lead.
“The fundamental issue, of course, is not the campaign. It is not the Biden family. And it is not even last week’s debate,” political analyst and prominent Trump critic Bill Kristol wrote Wednesday for conservative outlet The Bulwark.
“It is the fitness of the president to be president — not for a few more months, but for four more years.”
