WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign is working to reassure top fundraisers following his lackluster debate performance on Thursday. Despite acknowledging the shortcomings in the debate, senior campaign officials expressed confidence that Biden can bounce back and regain voter support.
During a conference call with donors, Biden pollster Molly Murphy admitted that the president’s performance was subpar. However, she highlighted that viewers also had reservations about former President Donald Trump, which could work in Biden’s favor.
Campaign Chair Jennifer O’Malley Dillon addressed concerns about Biden’s health and ability to serve another term. While Biden, at 81, faces some health challenges, his team remains optimistic about his capacity to fulfill the duties of the presidency.
Despite some donors expressing skepticism and considering supporting alternative get-out-the-vote organizations, Biden shows no signs of dropping out of the race. There is internal discussion within the Democratic Party about whether Biden should step aside for a younger candidate, but no decisions have been made.
The campaign emphasized that Trump’s debate performance was also underwhelming, based on feedback from swing voters in the Midwest. Dial tests revealed that these voters found Biden more likable and disagreed with Trump’s positions and governing style.
Looking ahead, Biden plans to participate in a second debate in September. The campaign is evaluating ways to improve his performance, drawing parallels to former President Barack Obama’s recovery after a poor debate in 2012.
With time on their side, the Biden campaign remains focused on engaging with voters, highlighting issues, and contrasting their efforts with Trump’s limited public appearances. The team is determined to build momentum leading up to the election and believes Biden can follow in Obama’s footsteps in securing re-election.
Overall, the campaign is facing challenges but remains steadfast in its mission to secure another term for President Biden. Supporters are encouraged to stay engaged and continue supporting the campaign’s efforts in the upcoming months.