Article Summary –
After President Biden’s poor debate performance, his campaign made efforts to reassure supporters and maintain unity. This involved private calls and a virtual pep talk to campaign staff, with the message that the election’s fundamental nature had not changed. However, doubts remain within the Democratic party regarding Biden’s fitness for another term, and his debate performance has led to increased scrutiny and concern from supporters and donors.
Damage Control for Biden’s Campaign Post Debate
Following President Biden’s disastrous debate performance, his campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, made private calls reassuring prominent supporters not to panic. She acknowledged the night’s poor performance, but urged restraint from overreaction.
Efforts to Reassure Supporters
By Friday afternoon, the Biden campaign converted its all-staff call into a virtual pep talk to dispel any doubts from the headquarters in Wilmington, Del., and beyond. Deputy campaign manager, Quentin Fulks, reassured everyone, “Nothing fundamentally changed about this election last night. We get punched, we punch back. We get up when we’re punched.”
Post-Debate Campaign Rallies
After the debate, Mr. Biden embarked on a brisk campaign tour across four states. His campaign transformed into an all-out damage control mission to reassure anxious Democratic lawmakers, surrogates, activists, and donors, urging them to stand by the president. A family gathering at Camp David, previously planned, added to the stakes and scrutiny.
Democratic Divide on Biden’s Fitness
There is a significant divide within the party around doubts of the 81-year-old president’s fitness for another term. Some Democrats, following the shaky debate performance, are bracing for a possible drop in polls, potentially reigniting calls to replace Mr. Biden.
Post Debate Fallout
The campaign’s all-hands efforts, signalled a real crisis courtesy of the debate fallout. This plunged the campaign into a frantic damage-control mode. Former President Barack Obama offered words of encouragement while Biden himself acknowledged his shortcomings at a rally in North Carolina.
Biden’s Campaign Rally
At a rally in North Carolina, Mr. Biden acknowledged his age and limitations, “I don’t walk as easy as I used to. I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to,” he said. However, he added, “I would not be running again if I didn’t believe with all my heart and soul I can do this job.”
Effort to Stop Democrats from Fleeing the Campaign
The campaign began damage control even before Mr. Biden had finished his performance on the debate stage. Ms. O’Malley Dillon, the campaign chair, along with other top campaign officials reassured staff and supporters that they understood their concerns and criticism, but urged them to remain steadfast.
Biden’s Acknowledgment of Weak Performance
Throughout the weekend, the Biden team projected a picture of a unified party. At a campaign stop, Biden acknowledged his shortfalls, “I understand the concern about the debate — I get it. I didn’t have a great night,” he said. Despite the reassurances, there were visible signs of uncertainty among supporters.
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