President Biden’s performance in the debate against former President Trump has sparked widespread concern and disappointment among Democratic allies in Congress. Even before the debate concluded, some House Democrats expressed fears of a significant loss of seats for their party in the upcoming elections.
The 81-year-old president’s hoarse voice, quiet tone, and visible gaffes during the debate have raised concerns about his ability to effectively communicate his vision. Several House Democrats, speaking anonymously, described the president’s performance as “awful” and “shocking.” Some even suggested that it’s time for a new leader, with one mentioning Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as a potential alternative.
However, the Biden campaign has pushed back against these concerns, arguing that the president presented a “positive and winning vision” and that Trump’s performance was “incoherent and deranged” at times. Campaign officials also pointed to voter opinion dials suggesting that Trump’s personal insults were among his worst moments.
Despite these assurances, many Democrats remain worried about the impact of Biden’s performance on the party’s chances in the upcoming elections. As one House Democrat put it, “By tomorrow, this is going to explode. You’re not going to find one Democrat who is going to tell you this is going well.”