President Joe Biden sought to address growing Democratic anxieties over his unsteady debate performance against former President Donald Trump, delivering a forceful speech in Raleigh, North Carolina. The President’s campaign faced a critical moment as party members and supporters grappled with concerns about his ability to lead for another four years at age 81.
In his 18-minute rally speech, Biden appeared more animated than during the debate, focusing on the stark choice facing voters. Donald Trump will destroy our democracy. I will defend it,” Biden declared, acknowledging the criticism indirectly by adding, “When you get knocked down, you get back up.”
The debate performance had exacerbated existing voter concerns about Biden’s age, creating a potential crisis for his campaign. However, Democratic lawmakers quickly moved to quell talk of replacing him as the party’s standard-bearer. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries flatly rejected the idea of Biden stepping aside, while other representatives acknowledged the President’s poor showing but emphasized the greater threat they perceive in a potential Trump presidency.
Biden’s campaign worked to maintain support from donors and surrogates, with the President heading to New York for a series of high-dollar fundraisers. The campaign announced raising $14 million on debate day and the morning after, outpacing Trump’s $8 million haul.
Vice President Kamala Harris defended Biden’s performance, acknowledging a “slow start” but praising a “strong finish.” Meanwhile, longtime Democratic figures like Rep. James Clyburn advised Biden to “stay the course.”
Despite the united front presented by elected Democrats, reports emerged of panic among some donors and party operatives. Informal discussions about potential replacements occurred, though there were no signs of organized efforts to convince Biden to step aside. Prominent Democratic governors like Gretchen Whitmer and Gavin Newsom publicly reaffirmed their support for Biden.
As the Biden campaign attempts to refocus attention on policy differences with Trump, the debate performance has undoubtedly added a new dimension to the 2024 presidential race. The coming weeks will be crucial for Biden to reassure supporters and convince voters of his capability to lead for another term.
