In the wake of Joe Biden’s lackluster debate performance on Thursday night, the clamor for the Democratic Party to find a new nominee has hit a fever pitch. But don’t expect Biden to bow out gracefully—his campaign is digging in its heels.
Less than 12 hours after what can only be described as a stilted and faltering debate showing, Biden’s team sprang into action. Facing an avalanche of criticism from liberal politicians and pundits alike, they issued a defiant statement to CNN White House correspondent Kayla Tausche. The message was loud and clear: Biden isn’t going anywhere. “Not only does @POTUS not plan to drop out,” wrote Tausche on X (formerly Twitter), “Biden remains committed to a second debate in September.”
NEW, as just reported on @CNN: Not only does @POTUS not plan to drop out, Biden remains committed to a second debate in September, an adviser tells me
— Kayla Tausche (@kaylatausche) June 28, 2024
This assertion came despite the chorus of voices within the Democratic Party calling for Biden to step down before the national convention in August. The logic is simple: if the party moves quickly, they could still find a viable alternative to lead them into the 2024 election. Yet, according to Biden’s advisors, the plan remains unchanged. They’re betting that a second debate will provide Biden with the opportunity to redeem himself and quell the growing dissent.
Thursday night’s debate was a disaster for Biden by many accounts. Facing off against former President Donald Trump, Biden missed several easy opportunities to counter his opponent’s attacks. On critical issues like abortion, tariffs, and his economic record, Biden’s responses were often meandering, mumbled, or hoarsely delivered. One particularly cringeworthy moment came when he struggled to respond to Trump’s jabs about social safety programs, eventually claiming he “beat Medicare” after what seemed like an eternity.
But despite the grim reviews, Biden’s team is pushing forward, scheduling another debate for September 10th. This event, hosted by ABC, will again pit Biden against Trump, assuming both meet the necessary qualifications. It’s a high-stakes gamble: if Biden falters again, it could be too late for the Democrats to pivot to a new candidate.
The internal strife within the Democratic Party is palpable. According to the Daily Mail, there is already a strategy prepared to force Biden from the race if his performance doesn’t improve. This plan reportedly hinges on the collective intervention of top Democratic leaders. “The only people who could force him out would be Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer,” one Democratic strategist told the Daily Mail.
Yet, even with such influential figures potentially ready to act, the Biden camp remains resolute. Former Obama advisor David Axelrod, a vocal advocate for reconsidering Biden’s candidacy, has urged that Biden’s team must ensure a standout performance in the next debate. He frames it as a crucial test for the President’s readiness to serve another term.
So, what’s next for the Democrats? For now, Biden’s steadfastness suggests a campaign unwilling to yield. But with mounting pressure from within his own party, and the potential for another debate disaster, the landscape could shift dramatically.