US election campaign - After TV debacle: pressure on Biden in his own party grows
In the aftermath of Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance against his rival Donald Trump, pressure is mounting on the US President from within his own ranks. The first Democratic congressman from the US House of Representatives, Lloyd Doggett of Texas, called on Biden publicly to step down and make way for another candidate. More critics could follow. Democratic Party leader Nancy Pelosi weighed in, praising Biden's "judgment and strategic thinking" in an interview with US broadcaster MSNBC.
Regarding the controversy over Biden's debate performance, Pelosi acknowledged that it was a "legitimate question" whether it was just an episode or a condition. However, she stressed that both candidates should be subjected to equal scrutiny regarding their fitness for the presidency. Pelosi added that debating Trump was challenging because he constantly lies.
According to a report by the Washington Post, Senator Joe Manchin threatened to publicly break ranks with Biden after the TV debate. Manchin, known as a swing voter, recently switched sides but still aligns with his former party on many issues as an independent Senator.
The report indicated that Manchin changed his confrontational stance under pressure from the Democratic Minority Leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer. A Democratic Party representative was quoted as saying, "Nobody wants to be the first to stab Julius Caesar."
Biden plans to meet with Democratic congressmembers and governors in the coming days, Jean-Pierre announced. He also intends to give a television interview, campaign appearances, and hold a press conference during the NATO summit in Washington. Biden himself appeared upbeat and confident during a Washington meeting, delivering his speech as usual from a teleprompter.
Doggett calls on Biden "respectfully" to withdraw
In the past few days, the party's most prominent figures have held back from public criticism. Democratic Congressman Lloyd Doggett of Texas was the first parliamentarian from Biden's party to call for his withdrawal.
Doggett wrote in a statement, as reported by US media, that it was not easy for him to make his objections public. Unlike Trump, Biden had always dedicated himself to the country and not to himself. He hoped that the President would make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw. "I respectfully urge him to do so."
Pelosi: Question about stumble "legitimate"
In an interview with MSNBC, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi defended Biden and praised his "judgment and strategic thinking."
When asked about the controversy surrounding Biden's stumble, Pelosi acknowledged that it was a "legitimate question" whether it was just an episode or a condition. However, she emphasized that both candidates should be subjected to the same critical examination regarding their fitness for the presidency. Pelosi noted that debating Trump was difficult because he constantly lies.
Manchin threatened public split with Biden
According to a Washington Post report, Senator Joe Manchin threatened to publicly split from Biden after the TV debate. Manchin, who is known as a swing voter, recently switched sides but still aligns with his former party on many issues as an independent Senator.
The report indicated that Manchin changed his confrontational stance under pressure from the Democratic Minority Leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer. A Democratic Party representative was quoted as saying, "Nobody wants to be the first to stab Julius Caesar."
Biden to meet with governors and congressmembers
Jean-Pierre announced that Biden plans to meet with Democratic governors and congressmembers in the coming days. He also intends to give a television interview, campaign appearances, and hold a press conference during the NATO summit in Washington. Biden himself appeared upbeat and confident during a Washington meeting, delivering his speech as usual from a teleprompter.
CBS reported that Biden will meet with democratic governors of various states on this Wednesday to secure their support. Prior to this, CNN reported, citing sources familiar with the situation, that several governors had phoned each other at the beginning of the week to arrange such a meeting.
According to a report in the "Washington Post," there is still another crisis meeting scheduled for today: The White House Chief of Staff, Jeff Zients, is set to hold a conference call with all staff members of the President, it was reported. In this call, it was stressed that it's important to continue the work. It's also possible that Biden's team in the White House, which typically avoids involvement in campaign matters, hasn't gone unnoticed during the past few days.
- Lloyd Doggett, a Democratic congressman from Texas, has called for Joe Biden to step down in light of his debate performance.
- Following Doggett's call, more critics within Biden's own ranks could potentially voice their concerns.
- Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Party leader, praised Biden's "judgment and strategic thinking" in a MSNBC interview.
- Pelosi acknowledged that Biden's debate stumble raised legitimate questions about his fitness for office.
- Despite the controversy, Pelosi emphasized that both candidates should be subjected to equal scrutiny.
- Senator Joe Manchin reportedly threatened to publicly break ranks with Biden after the debate.
- Manchin's confrontational stance softened under pressure from Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
- Biden is set to meet with Democratic governors and congressmembers in the coming days and give a television interview during the NATO summit in Washington.
- Karine Jean-Pierre announced Biden's plans to meet with Democrat leaders and engage in campaign activities.
- Lloyd Doggett publicly urged Biden to withdraw "respectfully," citing the need for a change if Biden couldn't deliver the best for the country.
