WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Thursday Times) — U.S. President Joe Biden plans to discuss the future of his re-election campaign with his family at Camp David today, following a nationally televised debate on Thursday that left many Democrats uneasy about his prospects against former President Donald Trump in November, according to five sources familiar with the matter.
The trip to Camp David was scheduled before Thursday’s debate. Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are set to join their children and grandchildren there on Saturday evening.
Despite public expressions of support from the party’s top leaders, including former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, senior congressional Democrats like Reps. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, and Nancy Pelosi of California have privately raised concerns about Biden’s viability, according to two sources briefed on these discussions. However, these leaders have publicly backed the president.
One Democratic House member, who believes Biden should withdraw but hasn’t publicly stated so, said three colleagues shared the same sentiment during Friday’s votes on the House floor.
Publicly, House leaders and their aides have denied any private doubts. Ian Krager, a spokesman for former Speaker Pelosi, asserted, “Speaker Pelosi has full confidence in President Biden and looks forward to attending his inauguration on January 20, 2025.” Christie Stephenson, spokeswoman for Jeffries, emphasised that he has consistently supported Biden both publicly and privately. Brianna Frias, spokeswoman for Clyburn, who is campaigning for Biden in Wisconsin, also reaffirmed Clyburn’s unwavering support.
Top Democrats understand that the decision about Biden’s campaign must be made by the president and his family. They believe Biden, particularly in consultation with his wife, will not respond well to external pressure.
This insight into the Democratic Party’s internal struggles, less than five months before an election they describe as crucial for democracy, is based on interviews with more than a dozen Democratic officials, operatives, aides, and donors, all of whom spoke on condition of anonymity.
Despite a strong speech at a rally in North Carolina on Friday that reassured some supporters, Biden was described by one source as humiliated and aware that his debate performance, marked by long pauses and a meandering delivery, will have lasting negative impressions.
These discussions are set against a backdrop of Democratic leaders grappling with the implications of Biden’s debate performance. His campaign held a conference call Saturday with Democratic National Committee members to reassure them and maintain communication.
Biden’s advisers have instructed staff to remain steady. Their message: “We’ll weather the storm, just like we always have,” according to one senior official.
Democrats are divided into three groups: those who will support Biden regardless, those ready to move on, and those waiting to see future poll results before making a decision. The latter group is being closely watched by party insiders.
“Democrats need to take a big breath and look at that polling, look at swing voters,” said one state Democratic Party chair. “Until I see something differently, he’s still the best person to beat Donald Trump.”
The Biden campaign declined to comment but highlighted a memo from campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon, which argued that Biden can still win, noting the over $27 million raised between debate day and Friday evening. She acknowledged potential tough polling ahead but blamed media narratives for any temporary dips.
Democratic discussions are considering whether sticking with Biden or selecting a new candidate offers the best chance to defeat Trump. While Biden insisted Friday that he remains the best candidate, the possibility of another debate performance like Thursday’s is a concern.
Biden has spent recent days fundraising and addressing the debate performance directly at an event on Saturday, acknowledging, “I didn’t have a great night.”
Party elites might urge Biden to step down only if they believe he is negatively impacting House and Senate races, according to one donor close to both Obama and Biden. However, there’s no clear replacement for Biden, and his departure could spark an intraparty battle, potentially benefiting Trump.
Biden’s position at the Democratic convention, where most delegates are pledged to him, means he is likely to secure the nomination if he remains. Party leadership would have more control over choosing a successor if Biden exits after being nominated. If he leaves before, delegates could nominate anyone, potentially leading to a political brawl.
