In the aftermath of President Joe Biden's lackluster debate performance, concerns among Democrats in competitive districts are brewing. Many fear that Biden's presence at the top of the ticket could dampen voter turnout crucial for winning back the House and holding onto the presidency. Sources reveal that Democratic lawmakers, particularly those in tight races, have been candid with the Biden campaign and the White House about their worries.
Take Democratic Rep. Jared Golden from rural Maine, a district that supported Trump twice. He penned an op-ed expressing resignation that Trump might win again, indicating a growing sentiment among Democrats wary of Biden's chances.
Washington state Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez echoed concerns, predicting a Biden loss post-debate. She didn't call for Biden to drop out but acknowledged the damage inflicted by the debate's fallout.
Democrats in pivotal battlegrounds are vocalizing their apprehensions. One lawmaker stated bluntly that running with Biden could lead to defeat, highlighting the urgency felt by those on the front lines of tough campaigns.
Retiring Rep. Ann Kuster, representing a swing seat in New Hampshire, has engaged with the White House and Biden's team, citing concerns over Biden's public image impacting House races.
The sentiment among Democrats is shifting noticeably. Delegates and voters, while respecting Biden, are increasingly suggesting it might be time for a change, marking a shift since Biden's debate debacle.
Some Democratic insiders have concluded that Biden's candidacy is faltering, awaiting an announcement they believe is inevitable, despite Biden not yet reaching that decision.
The Biden campaign, acknowledging the concerns, has been in active dialogue with elected officials and strategists across battleground states, attempting to strategize amidst the fallout from the debate.
White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the situation, acknowledging Biden's subpar debate performance while reaffirming their commitment to addressing voter concerns and continuing their campaign.
Democratic leaders like Rep. Suzan DelBene remain steadfast in their support for Biden, emphasizing the stark choice between Democrats and what they perceive as extremist Republican policies.
In the battle for Congress, Democrats face an uphill struggle in retaining control of the Senate, while the House presents a different challenge with narrow Republican control in districts that also supported Biden in 2020.
Calls within the Democratic Party for Biden to step up his public appearances intensify, suggesting more town halls and press engagements to counterbalance the fallout from the debate.
Reps. Gregory Meeks and Bennie Thompson emphasize the need for Biden to engage directly with the public, a sentiment echoed by others who believe increased visibility could mitigate concerns about Biden's candidacy.
Publicly, House Democratic leaders like Hakeem Jeffries have backed Biden while focusing on their mission to reclaim the House majority in November, rallying support despite internal uncertainties.
Fundraising efforts and polling updates from the Biden campaign aim to reassure House Democrats, underscoring their strategic efforts to stabilize Biden's candidacy amidst turbulent perceptions.
Veteran Democrats like Reps. Jim Clyburn and Nancy Pelosi continue to support Biden publicly, albeit with nuanced perspectives on his debate performance and its implications for the election.
Pelosi acknowledges mixed reactions within the Democratic network, highlighting a critical juncture where faith in Biden's candidacy is being scrutinized.
Ultimately, as the Democratic Party navigates these challenges, the focus remains on reshaping the narrative, reinforcing support, and strategizing for a pivotal election that could redefine the political landscape.
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