President Joe Biden has reaffirmed his commitment to continue in the presidential race despite widespread calls for him to step down following a poor performance in a recent debate against Donald Trump. Biden conveyed this decision during a call with concerned campaign members and in meetings with Democratic lawmakers and governors.
Reassuring the Campaign Team
In a call with his campaign team, Biden made it clear that he is determined to stay in the race. “No one is pushing me out. I’m not leaving. I’m in this race to the end,” he stated, according to two sources familiar with the call. He also sent an email to his supporters, urging them to “pitch in a few bucks” to help defeat Trump in the upcoming November 5 presidential election.
Meetings with Democratic Leaders
Biden met with 24 Democratic governors and the mayor of Washington, D.C., both virtually and in person, to reassure them of his capabilities as the party’s standard-bearer following his faltering debate performance. Despite the concerns, three governors expressed their support for Biden after the meeting, convinced of his abilities despite the recent debate setback.
“President Biden has always had our backs. We’re going to have his back as well,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, acknowledged Biden’s poor debate performance but affirmed his belief in Biden’s fitness for office.
Debate Performance and Health Concerns
Biden attributed his poor debate performance to fatigue from two foreign trips, and the White House later stated that he had a cold during the debate. During the debate, Biden mumbled, lost his train of thought, and made a confusing remark about Medicare, raising questions about his mental acuity.
Support for Kamala Harris
In the wake of Biden’s debate issues, Vice President Kamala Harris has gained support as a potential replacement. Dmitri Mehlhorn, an adviser to LinkedIn co-founder and Democratic megadonor Reid Hoffman, expressed enthusiastic support for Harris if Biden were to step aside. Mehlhorn noted that Harris is a strong contender who has already faced significant attacks from Trump’s supporters.
Upcoming Interview and Future Plans
Democrats and donors concerned about Biden’s viability are closely watching an upcoming interview with ABC News, expected to be taped and aired on Friday during a campaign visit to Madison, Wisconsin. Biden has also spoken with Democratic leaders in Congress, including Representative Jim Clyburn, who has suggested a “mini-primary” if Biden steps aside.
Potential Rivals
Several governors who met with Biden on Wednesday could be potential rivals if pressure for him to step down increases. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear have all been mentioned as possible replacements for Biden.
Bottom Line
Despite mounting pressure and concerns about his recent debate performance, President Biden remains resolute in his decision to stay in the presidential race. As the campaign progresses, the Democratic Party must navigate internal dynamics and potential leadership changes to present a united front against Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
