US President Joe Biden has communicated to key allies that he understands that the coming few days are critical for his re-election candidacy after a problematic debate performance last week.
Acknowledging his viability as a candidate is under scrutiny, he remains committed but recognizes he needs to reassure voters of his capability, reported the New York Times.
In a show of confidence on a call with his campaign staff on Wednesday, Biden said, “No one’s pushing me out. I’m not leaving.” Vice President Kamala Harris joined him, reinforcing their resolve. She said, “We will not back down. We will follow our president’s lead. We will fight, and we will win.”
Despite this, allies have indicated Biden privately knows he must perform well in upcoming appearances, particularly an interview with George Stephanopoulos of ABC News and campaign stops in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. One ally, who requested anonymity, said, “He knows if he has two more events like that, we’re in a different place by the end of the weekend,” referring to Biden’s faltering debate performance.
These private discussions mark the first public acknowledgment of Biden weighing his ability to recover post-debate. A new poll by The New York Times and Siena College shows former President Donald J Trump leading Biden 49 percent to 43 percent among likely voters, a three-point shift towards Trump following the debate.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre contested claims that Biden had talked with allies about exiting the race, stating, “That is absolutely false.” However, a top adviser who remained anonymous underscored Biden’s awareness of the political challenges ahead and his disbelief at the perception of his capabilities.
Biden insists his debate performance was a one-off incident and maintains confidence in his leadership abilities. Meanwhile, key party donors have privately urged for Biden to step down, reflecting broader internal concerns. A Democratic elected official, speaking anonymously, said “The only thing that matters is his decision on whether or not he’s going to let it go.”
Biden has since reached out to key Democrats, including meeting with Vice President Harris and Democratic governors at the White House. Representatives acknowledged by Press Secretary Jean-Pierre included House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, among others.
Representative Debbie Dingell indicated that Biden needs to more directly address the public. “He’s got to show the American people that he can do this job. He can’t be wrapped in bubble right now,” said Dingell.
This sentiment is echoed by key donors who expressed discontent over Biden missing a campaign call meant to provide reassurance. Democrats are increasingly questioning the transparency regarding Biden’s age and its impact.
Acknowledging his viability as a candidate is under scrutiny, he remains committed but recognizes he needs to reassure voters of his capability, reported the New York Times.
In a show of confidence on a call with his campaign staff on Wednesday, Biden said, “No one’s pushing me out. I’m not leaving.” Vice President Kamala Harris joined him, reinforcing their resolve. She said, “We will not back down. We will follow our president’s lead. We will fight, and we will win.”
Despite this, allies have indicated Biden privately knows he must perform well in upcoming appearances, particularly an interview with George Stephanopoulos of ABC News and campaign stops in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. One ally, who requested anonymity, said, “He knows if he has two more events like that, we’re in a different place by the end of the weekend,” referring to Biden’s faltering debate performance.
These private discussions mark the first public acknowledgment of Biden weighing his ability to recover post-debate. A new poll by The New York Times and Siena College shows former President Donald J Trump leading Biden 49 percent to 43 percent among likely voters, a three-point shift towards Trump following the debate.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre contested claims that Biden had talked with allies about exiting the race, stating, “That is absolutely false.” However, a top adviser who remained anonymous underscored Biden’s awareness of the political challenges ahead and his disbelief at the perception of his capabilities.
Biden insists his debate performance was a one-off incident and maintains confidence in his leadership abilities. Meanwhile, key party donors have privately urged for Biden to step down, reflecting broader internal concerns. A Democratic elected official, speaking anonymously, said “The only thing that matters is his decision on whether or not he’s going to let it go.”
Biden has since reached out to key Democrats, including meeting with Vice President Harris and Democratic governors at the White House. Representatives acknowledged by Press Secretary Jean-Pierre included House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, among others.
Representative Debbie Dingell indicated that Biden needs to more directly address the public. “He’s got to show the American people that he can do this job. He can’t be wrapped in bubble right now,” said Dingell.
This sentiment is echoed by key donors who expressed discontent over Biden missing a campaign call meant to provide reassurance. Democrats are increasingly questioning the transparency regarding Biden’s age and its impact.
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