Washington, DC [US], President Joe Biden has confided in a close ally of his intention to remain in the race, acknowledging the challenge of saving his candidacy after a disappointing performance in the presidential debate, The New York Times reported. (NYT).
The president's focus now falls largely on upcoming public appearances and interviews to influence public opinion, particularly an upcoming interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos and planned campaign stops in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
"He knows that if he has two more events like that, we will be in a different place," stressed the ally, who spoke on condition of anonymity, referring to Biden's criticized performance in the debate. Andrew Bates, White House spokesman, quickly dismissed the report as "absolutely false", stating that the administration had not been given adequate time to respond.
The conversation marks the first public indication that Biden is seriously considering his future in the race after what has been described as a devastating performance in Atlanta. Concerns are growing not only about his viability as a candidate but also about his ability to serve another term as president, the NYT report added.
Despite these challenges, Biden's allies rallied behind him, affirming his determination to maintain control of his candidacy even amid growing headwinds within the Democratic Party. A senior Biden adviser, who spoke anonymously, acknowledged the political hurdles ahead and noted that Biden understands the potential outcomes of his campaign but remains steadfast in his belief in his leadership and mental acuity. The adviser highlighted Biden's view of the debate as a misstep rather than a defining moment.
Campaign officials anxiously awaited the results of a new poll, anticipating that unfavorable numbers could deepen the crisis. A CBS News poll released after the debate showed former President Donald J. Trump slightly ahead of Biden nationally and in key battleground states.
Criticism mounted over Biden's delay in reaching out to key Democratic figures, sparking frustration among party members and advisers. His recent calls to Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer came several days after the debate, with no contact yet made with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Democratic leaders refrained from actively building support for Biden, opting instead to instead for listening to a range of concerns within the party, including those from centrist and progressive factions.
Steve Ricchetti and Shuwanza Goff of Biden's team worked diligently to mitigate growing discontent among party members. The complexity of Democratic sentiment was highlighted by Sen. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia, who, disenchanted with Biden's debate performance, tried to publicly express his concerns but then canceled his planned appearances after party colleagues intervened. .
President Biden's agenda included a lunch with Vice President Kamala Harris and an afternoon session with Democratic governors at the White House, underscoring ongoing internal consultations and support from trusted advisors and family advocating for him to stay in the race. However , Biden himself acknowledged uncertainty about the effectiveness of his plans to surpass his debate performance and redirect the focus toward criticism of Trump. Despite the challenges, Biden's allies remained optimistic and saw this period as an opportunity for a comeback, a narrative consistent with his resilient political career spanning decades, according to the NYT.
However, some advisers expressed growing pessimism as internal unrest within the party continued to grow, reflecting broader dissatisfaction not only with the performance of the debate but also with the subsequent handling of the fallout.
Democrats expressed bewilderment over Biden's reliance on the advice of his son, Hunter Biden, whose recent legal troubles have come under scrutiny. They also criticized the campaign's dismissive stance toward concerned Democrats, dubbed internally as the "bed-wetting brigade." Internal deliberations aimed to avoid public calls from elected Democrats and party figures urging Biden to withdraw from the race, although Representative Lloyd Doggett of Texas publicly advocated for Biden's departure, marking a significant departure from previous support.
Key party donors privately conveyed their concerns to House members, senators, super PACs, the Biden campaign and the White House, signaling a turbulent and uncertain path for Biden's re-election prospects. , The New York Times reported.
The president's focus now falls largely on upcoming public appearances and interviews to influence public opinion, particularly an upcoming interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos and planned campaign stops in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
"He knows that if he has two more events like that, we will be in a different place," stressed the ally, who spoke on condition of anonymity, referring to Biden's criticized performance in the debate. Andrew Bates, White House spokesman, quickly dismissed the report as "absolutely false", stating that the administration had not been given adequate time to respond.
The conversation marks the first public indication that Biden is seriously considering his future in the race after what has been described as a devastating performance in Atlanta. Concerns are growing not only about his viability as a candidate but also about his ability to serve another term as president, the NYT report added.
Despite these challenges, Biden's allies rallied behind him, affirming his determination to maintain control of his candidacy even amid growing headwinds within the Democratic Party. A senior Biden adviser, who spoke anonymously, acknowledged the political hurdles ahead and noted that Biden understands the potential outcomes of his campaign but remains steadfast in his belief in his leadership and mental acuity. The adviser highlighted Biden's view of the debate as a misstep rather than a defining moment.
Campaign officials anxiously awaited the results of a new poll, anticipating that unfavorable numbers could deepen the crisis. A CBS News poll released after the debate showed former President Donald J. Trump slightly ahead of Biden nationally and in key battleground states.
Criticism mounted over Biden's delay in reaching out to key Democratic figures, sparking frustration among party members and advisers. His recent calls to Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer came several days after the debate, with no contact yet made with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Democratic leaders refrained from actively building support for Biden, opting instead to instead for listening to a range of concerns within the party, including those from centrist and progressive factions.
Steve Ricchetti and Shuwanza Goff of Biden's team worked diligently to mitigate growing discontent among party members. The complexity of Democratic sentiment was highlighted by Sen. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia, who, disenchanted with Biden's debate performance, tried to publicly express his concerns but then canceled his planned appearances after party colleagues intervened. .
President Biden's agenda included a lunch with Vice President Kamala Harris and an afternoon session with Democratic governors at the White House, underscoring ongoing internal consultations and support from trusted advisors and family advocating for him to stay in the race. However , Biden himself acknowledged uncertainty about the effectiveness of his plans to surpass his debate performance and redirect the focus toward criticism of Trump. Despite the challenges, Biden's allies remained optimistic and saw this period as an opportunity for a comeback, a narrative consistent with his resilient political career spanning decades, according to the NYT.
However, some advisers expressed growing pessimism as internal unrest within the party continued to grow, reflecting broader dissatisfaction not only with the performance of the debate but also with the subsequent handling of the fallout.
Democrats expressed bewilderment over Biden's reliance on the advice of his son, Hunter Biden, whose recent legal troubles have come under scrutiny. They also criticized the campaign's dismissive stance toward concerned Democrats, dubbed internally as the "bed-wetting brigade." Internal deliberations aimed to avoid public calls from elected Democrats and party figures urging Biden to withdraw from the race, although Representative Lloyd Doggett of Texas publicly advocated for Biden's departure, marking a significant departure from previous support.
Key party donors privately conveyed their concerns to House members, senators, super PACs, the Biden campaign and the White House, signaling a turbulent and uncertain path for Biden's re-election prospects. , The New York Times reported.
