Biden’s campaign shaken by poor debate; meeting with Dem governors scheduled

President Joe Biden’s bid for a second term is on shaky ground following his poor showing in a debate with the twice impeached and convicted felon and former President Donald Trump on June 27. Mainstream news outlets, which played a vital role in Trump’s political ascendance, now report that Biden is contemplating dropping out of the race.

According to The New York Times, Biden recently told a trusted ally that he fears his campaign might be beyond saving unless he can quickly reassure the public of his capabilities. Despite maintaining his resolve, Biden is aware that his upcoming appearances—including an interview with ABC News George Stephanopoulos and campaign stops in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin—are crucial.

NBC News reported that Biden scheduled a meeting with Democratic governors to address rising concerns about his campaign. White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zientz also planned an all-staff meeting, and Biden campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon and campaign manager Julie Chávez Rodriguez reportedly led an all-hands call with campaign staff.

One significant voice urging Biden to withdraw is Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas. Doggett’s call might prompt other officials to follow suit. Many Democrats, however, are awaiting fresh polling data to determine the impact of Biden’s debate performance on his support and close races down ballot.

The Democratic Governors Association’s chair, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, organized a separate session before the meeting with governors—the gathering, which includes Govs. Gavin Newsom of California, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Kathy Hochul of New York, and Andy Beshear of Kentucky, aims to offer support and strategic advice to Biden. “The governors back Biden and, at a time when everyone wants to get back to the core contrast in this race, they want to hear from the president and offer key insights from their states as allies and surrogates for his campaign,” an unnamed Democrat told NBC.

At a fundraiser in McLean, Virginia, Biden acknowledged his subpar debate performance, attributing it to exhaustion from extensive travel. “I wasn’t very smart for having traveled around the world a couple of times before the debate,” he said, adding that he “almost fell asleep onstage.” Biden reiterated the critical need to defeat Trump in November.

CBS News reported that Trump now leads Biden by three points in battleground states and holds a two-point advantage nationally. Democratic voter enthusiasm appeared to have dipped, with fewer Democrats than Republicans declaring they would “definitely” vote. Despite this, over 90% of Biden and Trump supporters remain committed.

Meanwhile, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, fiercely defended Biden, criticizing colleagues who suggest he should step aside. “If Dems found half as much energy to attack MAGA, the real threat, then we’d be good,” Crockett asserted. She challenged those advocating for a new candidate to explain who could replace Biden, how they would secure ballot access in all 50 states, and how they would raise the necessary funds and build the campaign infrastructure in just four months.

“Dems spend all their time seeking perfection, while Republicans focus on their disastrous agenda and could care less so long as they rig the system in their favor,” Crockett said, urging her party to focus on substantive threats like Project 2025 and the Supreme Court’s role in undermining democracy.

Stacy M. Brown is the NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent.