Biden’s Campaign Reels After Disastrous Debate, Launching A Multi-Day Damage Control Effort
In the wake of a widely criticized performance in the first presidential debate, President Biden’s re-election campaign has entered a frantic mode of damage control. The 48 hours following the debate saw a flurry of activity, with senior campaign officials reaching out to prominent supporters, donors, and lawmakers, urging them to stand by the president and reminding them of the stakes of a potential Trump victory. Even with this concerted effort, concerns about Biden’s age, fitness for another term, and the fallout from the debate have cast a shadow over the campaign, raising questions about the long-term outlook for the president’s re-election bid.
Key Takeaways:
- Biden’s Campaign Reacts: Following a widely criticized debate performance, Biden’s campaign launched a multi-day damage control effort, involving frantic phone calls, private meetings, and public pronouncements. The goal? To quell anxieties within the Democratic Party and re-energize support for the president’s re-election bid.
- Concerns Over Biden’s Age Persist: The debate performance further intensified concerns about Biden’s age and capacity to handle the demands of another term. These concerns have been simmering within the Democratic Party for months, and the debate performance only served to amplify them.
- A Unified Front or A House Divided? While Biden’s campaign and top Democrats have sought to project a united front, behind-the-scenes anxieties and calls for a change at the top have surfaced, indicating a potential schism within the party.
- Trump’s Re-emergence: The debate, while problematic for Biden, also highlighted Donald Trump’s enduring ability to draw attention and create political chaos. This reinforces the concern that the 2024 election will be highly contentious and potentially unpredictable.
- The Road Ahead: While the immediate crisis may have been stabilized, the debate fallout could have long-term implications for Biden’s campaign. The president faces an uphill battle to convince voters of his fitness for office and to neutralize the narrative of a fading candidate.
A Frantic Response
The immediate aftermath of the debate saw a flurry of activity from the Biden campaign, with senior officials working the phones to reassure anxious allies. Jen O’Malley Dillon, the campaign chair, acknowledged that the night had gone poorly but urged supporters to remain calm. Jeff Zients, the White House Chief of Staff, checked in with Senate Leader Chuck Schumer, while Biden’s campaign turned their weekly staff meeting into a virtual pep talk, with Deputy Campaign Manager Quentin Fulks urging them to "punch back."
Beyond the Campaign
The effort to stabilize the campaign extended beyond the official circle. Former President Barack Obama, who had been largely absent from the campaign trail, offered words of encouragement. Biden himself acknowledged his mistakes on the campaign trail, while Democratic lawmakers, including some considered potential replacements, appeared on Sunday morning talk shows, defending the president and dismissing calls for him to step aside.
Concerns Remain:
Despite these efforts, anxieties about Biden’s age and capacity for another term have not dissipated. A recent poll by The Times and Siena College revealed that 45% of Democrats did not want Biden to be the nominee even before the debate, and that percentage is likely to have increased in the aftermath. The debate performance also fueled conversations among Democrats about potential replacements, with some advocating for a change at the top.
A Unified Front, But Cracks Appear
While Biden’s campaign and top Democrats have sought to project a united front, the debate fallout has exposed underlying cracks. Some donors questioned the campaign’s strategy and urged Biden to reconsider his bid for re-election, leading to intense back-and-forth discussions. While these discussions were ultimately quieted, they underscore the ongoing anxiety within the party.
The Debate’s Long Shadow:
The debate itself served as a reminder of the dangers of an aging candidate facing a younger, more energetic challenger. While Biden’s campaign insists that they are confident in his ability to campaign effectively, concerns about his age and stamina are likely to persist.
Moving Forward:
The immediate crisis may have been averted, but Biden’s campaign faces a challenging road ahead. The debate performance has cast a shadow over the president’s candidacy, raising doubts about his fitness for office and his ability to connect with voters. While Biden’s campaign claims to have weathered the storm, the long-term impact of the debate remains to be seen. The upcoming months will be crucial for Biden, as he tries to turn the narrative back in his favor and regain momentum in the race.
