Biden meets with family council at Camp David
On the weekend following the disastrous TV debate, US-President Biden met with his family at his residence. The media hope that he will seriously consider a withdrawal from the race. Outwardly, nothing indicates this: The 81-year-old gives no signs of distress.
US-President Joe Biden continues his campaign for the presidency externally unfazed after the TV debate and dismisses calls for withdrawal. The 81-year-old collected donations in New Jersey and the Hamptons near New York. "I understand the concerns after the debate," Biden told 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 meeting with his family, the debate and possible consequences may be a topic.
Biden engaged in a TV duel with his Republican opponent and former president Donald Trump on Thursday evening. Both want to move back into the White House after the presidential election in November. According to the polls, the race is currently running neck and neck. Biden's performance 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.
Critics labeled "bedwetter brigade"
Biden's campaign team tried to counteract this over the weekend. "There was only one person who didn't deserve to run for president in 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 in America. "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, the US presidential residence near Washington. There, he wanted to discuss the future of his campaign with his family, according to NBC News. 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 welcomed by some demonstrators in East Hampton, New York, on his way to a fundraiser. These held signs at the roadside, including "We love you, but it's time" or "Step aside for democracy."
To date, the first row of the Democratic Party stands closed behind Biden. In reality, the coming days could be decisive, as surveys may show that Biden's weak performance with voters takes effect. The Democratic Party convention in Chicago is scheduled for August, where Biden is expected to be officially declared the presidential candidate of his party. He has already gathered the necessary delegate votes - the coronation convention is at least so far a mere formality.
Theoretically, it is possible that the party could uproot Biden and withdraw him from the race. For this to happen, Biden himself would have to pave the way and withdraw. Observers consider this unlikely. And even if this were to occur, the question arises as to who could follow Biden in the race against the 78-year-old Trump.
First Lady Jill Biden Plays a Significant Role
Natural succession 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 yield her place 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. However, 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 Coronapolitics, she has become the enemy image of many Republicans.
For many Democrats, Michelle Obama, the former First Lady and wife of former President Barack Obama, is a beacon. Calls for her to enter the race for the White House continue to resurface. She has always rejected them. A sudden change of heart is unlikely. Many observers dismiss the discussion about an alternative to Biden as mere speculation. On the one hand, it is much too late, only four months before the election, to bet on a new horse. On the other hand, Biden does not seem to be thinking about throwing in the towel.
The focus has recently shifted to First Lady Jill Biden. A video clip of her after the debate caused laughter. In it, she praised her husband excessively for "answering all the questions" after the debate. The Bidens have been married for 47 years. Jill Biden is considered the closest confidant of the US President, and the word of the 73-year-old carries weight. She publicly showed her support for her husband after the botched TV debate. "Joe is not only the right person for this job," she said at a fundraising event. "He is the only person for the job."
Biden's performance in the TV debate against Donald Trump for the US presidential election 2024 led to criticism, with some calling for his withdrawal. However, his campaign team dismissed these calls, emphasizing his intention to stay in the race.
Despite the controversy, Biden's family meeting might have discussed the debate and its potential consequences, with First Lady Jill Biden publicly supporting her husband, stating that he is "the only person for the job."
