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President Joe Biden mounted an intensive effort over the weekend to salvage his reelection prospects in the aftermath of a disastrous debate performance, but persistent doubts about his candidacy have only grown more pronounced.
Following his faltering appearance on CNN, which heightened concerns about his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump or serve a second term, Biden sought solace with his family at Camp David. Despite attempts to reassure Democratic voters, officials, and donors, calls for him to step aside in favor of a younger candidate have intensified just months before Election Day.
Throughout the weekend, Biden's team pushed back against media critics urging him to withdraw, asserting that early data suggests his poor showing hasn't fundamentally altered the race. Senior Democratic figures appeared on Sunday talk shows to redirect focus from Biden's lackluster debate performance back to Trump.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi cautioned against judging Biden's presidency based on one debate, emphasizing the differences between Biden and Trump in terms of their impact on people's lives. South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn acknowledged Biden's subpar debate performance but attributed it to being overwhelmed with facts.
Biden's family, pivotal in any decision about his campaign's future, reportedly supports his continued candidacy, albeit while bracing for potential polling setbacks. However, they remain open to reassessment should his standing deteriorate further and if leaving the race becomes a prudent choice.
Despite efforts to downplay the significance of one debate, many voters remain concerned about Biden's physical and cognitive capacity to serve another term, a question Republicans have been keen to exploit. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum highlighted global perceptions of Biden's performance, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in international relations.
Overall, Biden faces a pivotal moment as he navigates the fallout from his debate stumble, with his reelection campaign at a critical juncture amid mounting uncertainty and scrutiny.
There is currently no indication that the 81-year-old president is considering stepping aside from his campaign to allow the party to hurriedly find another candidate.
"Joe Biden is not going to withdraw from this race, and he shouldn't," Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore asserted on CBS' "Face the Nation."
As the presumptive nominee who dominated the Democratic primaries, the party cannot realistically move forward without Biden's decision to step down. Many party leaders fear that initiating a new nomination process now could ignite internal strife, potentially handing the presidency back to Trump. Biden himself has repeatedly affirmed his fitness for office. Any rising-star Democrat contemplating a challenge would face accusations of betrayal from within the party and risk their own political future.
Acknowledging concerns at a fundraising event in New Jersey, Biden admitted to a "difficult night" in Atlanta, noting his slower pace and less fluid speech compared to before. However, he remains determined to continue his campaign.
For now, Biden's team appears to have mitigated immediate threats to his candidacy. Fundraising remains strong, with over $33 million raised in the days following the debate, according to his campaign. Public endorsements from influential figures willing to defend him suggest continued support within his party, despite internal challenges.
However, any downturn in polling, reflecting damage from the debate, could reignite panic among supporters. Unprecedented calls from typically sympathetic media commentators urging Biden to decline the Democratic nomination in August highlight the unique pressures he faces.
CNN reported on Saturday that Democratic donors are divided on whether to maintain support for Biden or pursue an alternative nominee, despite the complexities involved. Concerns about Biden's potential impact on down-ballot races, including Senate and House elections, add urgency to these discussions, particularly in light of recent Supreme Court rulings that underscore the stakes of conservative control.
As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on Trump's claim of presidential immunity on Monday, Biden's central campaign message about defending democracy faces renewed scrutiny following his debate performance. The debacle has prompted fresh debates about whether Democrats should seek a more secure electoral strategy.
Overall, Biden's campaign finds itself at a critical juncture, navigating internal dissent and external pressures while striving to maintain momentum towards the general election.