During the first presidential debate between President Biden and former President Donald Trump, reviews have been mixed among Democrats. Some members of Congress expressed disappointment in Biden’s performance, with Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly acknowledging that it was not his best night. Similarly, Pennsylvania Rep. Madeleine Dean criticized the president’s debate performance, describing it as bad. Meanwhile, Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig labeled the debate as terrible, stating that she is still processing what occurred.
Despite concerns about Biden’s raspy delivery and verbal stumbles during the debate, some congressional Democrats are rallying behind him. South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, a long-time Biden ally, urged nervous Democrats to “stay the course,” emphasizing the importance of focusing on Biden’s record and substance rather than stylistic difficulties during the debate. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi echoed Clyburn’s sentiments, praising Biden’s integrity and contrasting it with Trump’s dishonesty.
Former President Barack Obama also weighed in on social media, highlighting the choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks and someone who only cares about himself. While some Democrats expressed uncertainty about Biden’s performance, others like Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan emphasized the need to see how things unfold and engage with voters in their districts.
In response to speculation about Biden’s fitness to serve another term, Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire avoided providing a direct answer, acknowledging Biden’s bad night but emphasizing his past accomplishments for the country. The White House confirmed that Biden was suffering from a cold during the debate, attributing it to nothing unusual. Despite calls for Biden to step aside, the campaign reiterated its commitment to the current strategy, with no discussions about Biden relinquishing his position.
During a campaign rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, Biden admitted his mistakes and physical limitations, emphasizing his commitment to telling the truth. As the Democratic National Committee reassured members about fundraising efforts and grassroots campaigns, the focus remains on supporting Biden for the upcoming election. With conflicting opinions among Democrats about Biden’s debate performance, the aftermath of the debate underscores the high stakes involved in the upcoming election.