US presidential election - Campaign trip and interview: All eyes on Biden
US-President Joe Biden faces crucial tests for his candidacy that could determine his political future. During a TV interview and a campaign trip to the US state of Wisconsin, the Democrat aims to show he is fit. The 81-year-old is under intense scrutiny - every appearance is closely monitored. He tries to dispel doubts about his suitability for the office. However, reports suggest his reticence continues, with some major Democratic Party donors turning away from him. Among them is the granddaughter of a Disney company founder.
Biden had given a disastrous performance in a primetime TV debate with his Republican challenger Donald Trump a week ago, forgetting his lines and losing focus. The debate sparked a US debate about whether Biden is the right candidate for the Democrats in the November election. Trump is exploiting his political opponent's weakness and has recently called for another TV debate. "Biden's incompetence would be evident," the 78-year-old said.
Less Teleprompter, more spontaneity
Biden struggles in appearances where he cannot read from the teleprompter. He stutters regularly, mixes up names and places. This could be one reason why the Democrat gives few TV interviews. However, the pressure has now become so great that Biden will stand face-to-face with TV journalist George Stephanopoulos in Wisconsin today. The entire interview will be broadcast during prime time (2.00 am in German night on Saturday).
Simultaneously, Biden's campaign team has reportedly announced that the President will travel to contested states in the coming weeks. The 81-year-old will also speak more freely. After his TV debacle, Biden's support did not only decline on a national level but also in key states that usually decide elections.
Donors lose patience
Party donors seem increasingly concerned about Biden's performance. The NBC network and the "New York Times" reported that a wealthy Disney heiress has withheld her financial support for the party until Biden withdraws from the presidential race. "Biden is a good man who has served his country well, but there's too much at stake to allow indecisiveness to dictate our approach," the media quoted from a statement by Abigail Disney. If Biden does not withdraw, the Democrats could lose.
According to the "New York Times," a group of donors is also working to financially support the next generation of the Democratic Party. The money could be used for a potential successor candidate. US campaigns are extremely expensive. Only those who have the necessary small donations can sustainably stay in the race - and compete.
Biden fights back
Despite the challenges, Biden remains determined. He has been working hard to regain his footing and rebuild his support. The coming weeks will be crucial for his campaign, and he will need to give strong performances in key states and in debates to win back the confidence of voters and donors. Only time will tell if he can overcome the setbacks and secure his place as the Democratic nominee for the November election.
Biden held brief speeches at the National Holiday celebrations in the White House on Thursday. "I won't go anywhere", Biden said spontaneously at a barbecue for active military personnel in the White House garden. His actual speech before the fireworks over the National Mall near the White House then surprisingly lasted just a short while - Biden seems at least a bit tired. The National Holiday of the USA on July 4th, which goes back to the Declaration of Independence in 1776, is traditionally celebrated with parties, parades, and fireworks.
Biden's presidency campaign for his party is supposedly secure - officially, he is to be nominated at the Democratic Convention in Chicago in August. In the primaries, the US President collected the necessary delegate votes. Notable competition in the primary campaign he did not have. Now, it is open whether he can continue to withstand the pressure in his own party - or if he still throws in the towel.
- Joe Biden, the US President, is currently facing significant tests in his presidential election campaign, particularly in the crucial state of Wisconsin.
- Despite being under intense scrutiny after his poor performance in a TV debate with Donald Trump, Biden is set to appear on prime-time TV with George Stephanopoulos to show his fitness for office.
- The controversy surrounding Biden's ability to perform without a teleprompter and the withholding of financial support from major Democratic Party donors like Abigail Disney are causing concerns within the party.
- In the wake of the TV debate fiasco, Biden's support has declined not only nationally but also in key states like Wisconsin, which could be crucial in the forthcoming #USElection2024.
- Reports suggest that some Democratic Party donors are considering supporting a potential successor candidate if Biden fails to regain his footing and rebuild his support.
- Determined to overcome the setbacks, Biden is working hard to give strong performances in key states and debates to win back the confidence of voters and donors, potentially securing his place as the Democratic nominee for the November election.
