Key Democrats Urge President Biden to Reevaluate Following Debate Performance
Special Poll
In a recent interview, Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) emphasized that President Biden “has to be honest with himself” about his candidacy, warning that his decision could have long-lasting consequences for the Democratic Party’s performance in down-ballot races. Quigley noted, “It’s clear that what took place last week doesn’t seem to influence his decision. I don’t know what will,” indicating that only significant polling results showing potential losses in the House or Senate might sway Biden’s choice. He added, “It probably takes up to a week to get decent polling. … I do think that’s probably the only thing out there right now that could change his mind or influence that critical decision that, again, only he can make.”
Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.) echoed Quigley’s concerns in a subsequent CNN interview, criticizing the campaign’s dismissal of voter worries and urging Biden to address concerns about his age more assertively.
Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) also weighed in, telling Semafor that the Biden campaign’s tactic of dismissing those questioning the president’s age as “bed-wetters” is “inappropriate.” Welch stressed the importance of addressing these concerns openly, stating, “I really do criticize the campaign for a dismissive attitude towards people who are raising questions for discussion. That’s just facing the reality that we’re in. But that’s the discussion we have to have. It has to be from the top levels of the Biden campaign to precinct captains in the southside of Chicago.”
Prominent House Democrats have also expressed their views on what Biden needs to do to revitalize his campaign. Speaker Nancy Pelosi told MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell that both candidates should undergo tests for mental acuity and health, suggesting that Biden engage with a “serious journalist,” a recommendation made shortly before the announcement of his upcoming interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos.
Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) indicated his readiness to support Vice President Kamala Harris should Biden step aside, stating, “This party should not in any way do anything to work around Ms. Harris. We should do everything we can to bolster her, whether she’s in second place or at the top of the ticket.”
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) expressed his dismay over Biden’s debate performance, telling Providence’s 12 News that he was “pretty horrified.” Reflecting on his time serving with Biden in the Senate, Whitehouse remarked that he barely recognized his former colleague during the debate. “The blips of President Biden and the barrage of lying from President Trump were not what one would hope for in a presidential debate,” Whitehouse concluded.