President Joe Biden has communicated to key allies the critical importance of the coming days, recognizing that he must prove his capability to voters following a poor debate performance last week.
Two allies who have spoken with Biden reveal that he remains deeply committed to his reelection campaign but understands his candidacy is at risk.
Despite the situation, Biden projected confidence during a call with his campaign staff on Wednesday. Meanwhile, White House officials worked to calm concerns within the administration.
"No one's pushing me out," Biden asserted on the call. "I'm not leaving."
Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call, stating, "We will not back down. We will follow our president's lead. We will fight, and we will win."
However, Biden's allies disclosed that the president privately acknowledged the necessity of performing well in his upcoming appearances, particularly an interview with George Stephanopoulos of ABC News and campaign stops in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
One ally, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, mentioned that Biden understands the gravity of the situation: "He knows if he has two more events like that, we’re in a different place" by the end of the weekend.
These conversations mark the first public indication that Biden is seriously considering his ability to recover after his debate performance in Atlanta last Thursday.
A recent New York Times/Siena College poll shows former President Donald Trump leading Biden 49% to 43% among likely voters nationally, indicating a 3-point swing toward the Republican since before the debate. This 6-point deficit is a significant blow to Biden's campaign, though some insiders feared it could have been worse.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refuted claims that Biden discussed dropping out of the race with allies, calling such assertions "absolutely false."
However, a top adviser to Biden, also speaking anonymously, stated that the president is "well aware of the political challenge he faces." This person emphasized Biden's belief in his effectiveness and mental sharpness, though acknowledging that not everyone shares this view.
Biden remains adamant that his debate performance was merely a bad showing, not indicative of his capability to serve another term.
Key donors have privately urged House members, senators, super PACs, the Biden campaign, and the White House to consider stepping down, according to Democratic sources.
An elected Democrat, speaking anonymously, noted that the final decision rests with Biden: "The only thing that matters is his decision on whether or not he's going to let it go."
Senior White House officials attempted to calm nerves during a staff-wide conference call. Chief of Staff Jeff Zients encouraged staff to "execute, execute, execute" and maintain pride in their work, acknowledging the contradictory nature of this advice with a touch of humor.
Biden has been slow to personally address key Democrats' concerns, leading to frustration within the party. However, Jean-Pierre confirmed that Biden has now connected with Democratic leaders, including Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Sen. Chuck Schumer, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Rep. James E. Clyburn, and Sen. Chris Coons.
Biden had lunch with Harris at the White House and was scheduled to meet Democratic governors in the evening. Until now, he has focused on consulting trusted advisers and family members, who have encouraged him to remain in the race.
Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) emphasized on MSNBC that Biden needs to engage more directly with the public: "He’s got to show the American people that he can do this job. He can’t be wrapped in a bubble right now."
Donors expressed frustration over Biden's absence from a campaign call on Monday intended to reassure them. Some Democrats suspect the president's team has not been fully transparent about the effects of aging on him.
Democratic leaders in Congress have not urged members to rally around Biden, instead listening to various complaints from across the party, including centrists and progressives.
Despite the challenges, Biden's allies highlight his determination to fight for his political survival, viewing this moment as an opportunity for a comeback. However, some advisers have grown increasingly pessimistic amid the party's unrest, reflecting dissatisfaction not just with the debate performance but with its aftermath.
Biden's family, including his son Hunter Biden and first lady Jill Biden, continue to support his campaign.
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