US election - After TV debacle: Biden defies calls for withdrawal
After his disastrous performance in the TV duel with his rival Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden is trying to rally the ranks. Orders for a withdrawal were issued by the 81-year-old, who gave a press conference.
The President continued his campaign externally unfazed over the weekend. He also collected donations at exclusive receptions in New Jersey and the Hamptons near New York - the Hamptons are known as a weekend getaway destination for the rich and famous. There, Biden tried to convince his donors of his suitability for the office: "I had a terrible evening, but I will fight harder." On Sunday, the Democrat retreated to a longer planned family reunion - the debacle and potential consequences could be a topic in discussions with his closest advisors.
Biden engaged in a TV duel with his Republican predecessor Trump on Thursday evening (local time). Both want to move back into the White House after the presidential election in November. According to the polls, it's currently a dead heat. Biden's performance, however, was a disaster - he lost the thread, mumbled, stared blankly into space, and often couldn't finish his sentences properly. After the duel, a debate erupted in the US about whether the 81-year-old is the right candidate for the Democrats. "President Biden should step down from the race," the "New York Times" wrote in an opinion piece. Other media openly called for the Democrats to withdraw.
Biden's camp goes on the offensive
Biden's team switched to damage control and went on the attack after the TV fiasco. The data would show that the debate had not changed public perception of the American population, according to an email to party loyalists. "Joe Biden will be the Democratic candidate, period," according to another text. A "Bedwetter Brigade" is calling for Biden to withdraw. The "New York Times" reported that Biden's team was making countless calls in the background to pressure concerned Democratic representatives, supporters, and donors. Democratic party leader Nancy Pelosi defended Biden aggressively on Sunday morning TV. "It was a bad night. Let's move on," she said and tried to shift the focus onto Trump.
Biden met with big donors at a series of non-public events. Among the hosts of a longer planned reception in the noble town of East Hampton were Hollywood stars like Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, and Michael J. Fox. On the way to the event, Biden was greeted by some demonstrators. They held signs at the roadside that read "We love you, but it's time" or "Step back for democracy." According to Biden's team, over 3.7 million US dollars (around 3.4 million Euros) were raised at another event in New Jersey. The figures cannot be independently verified.
Biden retreats with his family
Biden continued his fundraising marathon journey to Camp David - this is the retreat site of US Presidents near Washington. There, Biden intended to discuss the future of his campaign with his family, reported NBC. The White House quickly responded after the text was published and rejected the portrayal. The approach of the report was not correct. The White House headquarters emphasized that the trip had been planned long before the debate and a family photo of the Bidens had been planned. It is, however, difficult to imagine that the meeting will not become a crisis session.
First Lady Jill Biden is expected to play a special role in this. The Bidens have been married for 47 years. Jill Biden is considered one of the closest confidants of US President Biden. She defended her husband publicly after the disappointing TV duel on Saturday at a fundraising event. "Joe is not just the right person for this job," she said. "He is the only person for the job."
Democrats on Alert
So far, the first row of Democrats has remained closed behind Biden - but in the party, rumors are circulating. The coming days could be decisive. In fact, surveys may show that Biden's weak performance with women and voters is taking effect. If Biden's poll numbers worsen, it could not only unsettle donors, but also Democratic politicians, who are also up for re-election in November, into a panic.
At the Democratic Convention in Chicago in August, Biden is to be officially declared the Presidential candidate of his party. He has already collected the necessary delegate votes for this - the coronation party is at least so far a mere formality. Theoretically, it is possible that the party could suddenly change horses and Biden withdraws from the race. For this, Biden himself would have to clear the way and withdraw. Observers consider this a mere thought experiment. And even if this scenario were to occur, the question arises, who could Biden be replaced with in the duel against the 78-year-old Trump.
No Real Alternative
Since the Democrats have put their faith in Biden, they have missed building a successor. Vice President Kamala Harris is very unpopular. The 59-year-old could hardly be the first choice. A name that comes up is Gavin Newsom. The 56-year-old governor of the liberal US state of California is an eloquent full-blooded politician. Whether he could score points with the more conservative rural population is questionable. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the 52-year-old jurist, is also mentioned. She is part of the leadership circle of the Democratic Party. Michelle Obama, the former First Lady and wife of former President Barack Obama, is considered a beacon for many Democrats and Democrats. It is rather illusory that she could suddenly enter the race.
- Jill Biden, the first lady, defended her husband Joe Biden publicly after his disappointing performance in the TV duel.
- The US President Joe Biden continued his campaign outside the White House over the weekend, collecting donations at exclusive receptions in New Jersey and the Hamptons.
- Both Joe Biden and his Republican rival Donald Trump are aiming to move back into the White House after the presidential election in November.
- Biden's team went on the attack afterwards, claiming that the debate had not changed public perception and that Biden will be the Democratic candidate.
- The New York Times wrote an opinion piece suggesting that President Biden should step down from the race after his disastrous performance.
- Joe Biden met with big donors at a series of non-public events in the Hamptons, where he attempted to convince them of his suitability for the office.
- Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic party leader, defended Biden aggressively on Sunday morning TV, attempting to shift the focus onto Trump.
- The coming days could be decisive for Biden's campaign, with surveys potentially showing that his weak performance is affecting his poll numbers.
- Observers consider it a mere thought experiment that Biden could be replaced as the Democratic candidate, with potential replacements including Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer.
