US election - Biden campaigns and meets family after TV debacle
US-President Joe Biden continues his campaign externally unfazed after the TV debacle and dismisses calls for withdrawal. The 81-year-old held fundraisers in New Jersey and the Hamptons near New York on Saturday. The Hamptons are known as a weekend getaway destination for the rich and famous.
"I understand the concerns after the debate," Biden admitted to traveling press at one of the exclusive and non-public events. "I had a bad night, but I will fight harder." His campaign team also made it clear that the Democrat intends to stay in the race for the White House. At a family meeting with Biden, the debate and potential consequences could be a topic.
Biden had a TV duel with his Republican opponent and former president Donald 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 was a disaster - he lost the thread, mumbled, stared blankly into space, and often couldn't finish his sentences. After the debate, 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.
Biden is gathering with his family at Camp David
Biden's campaign team tried to counteract this over the weekend. "There was only one person who didn't deserve to be a presidential candidate at the debate. The sooner Trump leaves the stage, the better it will be for the country," read an email to party supporters. The data would show that the debate had not changed public perception of American voters. "Joe Biden will be the Democratic candidate, period," read another text. A "Bedwetter Brigade" would call for Biden to withdraw.
Biden traveled to Camp David on Saturday evening (local time), the presidential retreat near Washington. There, Biden was reportedly planning to discuss the future of his campaign with his family, according to NBC. The White House denied this. The approach of the report was not correct. The government headquarters emphasized that the trip had been planned before the debate.
Decision lies with Biden
Before that, Biden was greeted by demonstrators on his way to a fundraiser in East Hampton, New York, according to traveling press. They held signs that read "We love you, but it's time" or "Step aside for democracy." So far, the first rank of the Democratic Party is solidly behind Biden. However, the coming days could be decisive. Then, polls may show whether Biden's weak performance with voters will have an impact.
At the Democratic Party convention in August in Chicago, Biden is expected to be officially nominated as his party's presidential candidate. He has already gathered the necessary delegate votes for this coronation - the nominating convention at least so far has been a mere formality. Theoretically, it's possible that the party might suddenly change horses and Biden drops out. But he would have to clear the way for this himself and withdraw. Observers find this unlikely. And even if such a scenario were to occur, the question arises, who could Biden be replaced with in the race against the 78-year-old Trump.
Search for potential alternative difficult
The natural successor would be Vice President Kamala Harris. The 59-year-old is, however, very unpopular and would hardly be the first choice. Whether she would voluntarily give way is completely open. A name that comes up is Gavin Newsom. The 56-year-old governor of the liberal US state of California has been eyeing the White House for a long time. But it is questionable whether the eloquent full-blooded politician, who was once mayor of San Francisco, would resonate with the rural population. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the 52-year-old jurist, is also mentioned as an option. She can point to a long career in politics and is part of the leadership circle of the Democratic Party. Due to her relatively strict Coronapolitik, she has become the enemy image of many Republicans.
For many Democrats and Democrats, Michelle Obama, the former First Lady and wife of Ex-President Barack Obama, is considered a beacon. Calls for her to enter the race for the White House continue to resurface. She has always dismissed them. A sudden change of heart is considered very unlikely. Many observers dismiss the discussion about an alternative to Biden as mere speculation. On the one hand, it's much too late, only four months before the election, to bet on a new horse. On the other hand, Biden himself doesn't seem to be considering throwing in the towel.
First Lady Jill Biden in the spotlight
Recently, the focus has shifted to First Lady Jill Biden. A video clip of her after the debate caused laughter. In it, she praised her husband excessively for having "answered all the questions" in the debate. The Bidens have been married for 47 years. Jill Biden is considered Biden's closest confidant, the word of the 73-year-old carries weight. She publicly stood behind her husband after the botched TV debate. "Joe is not just the right person for this job," she said at a fundraising event on Saturday. "He is the only person for the job."
Biden's campaign team also encouraged supporters via email, stating, "#USElection2024 is not about one person's performance in a debate, it's about who can lead the USA effectively. Joe Biden is that person." The email further highlighted Biden's accomplishments as US President.
Despite the calls for Biden's withdrawal from some quarters, including the New York Times, the presidential election campaign continues in full swing. Both major parties, Democrats and Republicans, are gearing up for the final stretch of the campaign.
In New York City, protests demanding Biden's withdrawal were held, with protesters carrying banners reading "Time for a Change" and "Democrats, Wake Up!" However, Biden's supporters counter-protested, stating their faith in the incumbent US President.
As the presidential race approaches its climax, both candidates, Biden and Trump, are making their final pitches to voters. Trump, currently residing at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, has also been actively campaigning in key swing states.
The US election watchdog, the Federal Election Commission, has announced stricter measures to ensure the integrity of the upcoming election, in light of the heightened political tensions. The commission has also urged both camps to promote peace and unity during the campaign period.
The election campaign has also resonated in other parts of the USA, with political rallies in cities like Miami, Atlanta, and San Francisco. Voter registration drives and get-out-the-vote campaigns are in full swing as eligible voters prepare to cast their ballots.
Meanwhile, the campaign trail has also led to some surprising encounters and interactions between the candidates and the public. A viral video showed Biden interacting with a group of children during a visit to a local school,while Trump was spotted playing golf at his Bedminster golf course in New Jersey over the weekend.
The stakes are high in this presidential race, with the winners set to shape the course of US politics and policy for the next four years. The election results on November 8, 2022, will determine who will serve as the 47th US President.
