After a meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House, Democratic governors expressed their strong support for his re-election bid. Despite some calls within the party for Biden to step aside, the President remains firm in his decision to stay in the race.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that Biden is committed to running and will not withdraw, refuting any reports suggesting otherwise. Biden reiterated his determination in a fundraising email, asserting that he is the Democratic Party’s nominee and intends to win the election.
The meeting, attended by more than 20 Democratic governors either in person or virtually, saw governors like Tim Walz of Minnesota, Wes Moore of Maryland, and Kathy Hochul of New York pledging their support for Biden. They stressed the high stakes of the upcoming election and expressed confidence in Biden’s ability to lead, citing his previous victory over Donald Trump.
Walz, who chairs the Democratic Governors Association, highlighted Biden’s resolve and good health, mentioning a recent checkup that indicated no major health concerns. Biden has also decided to limit his evening engagements to ensure he gets adequate rest.
However, not all Democrats are unified in their support. Representative Raul Grijalva from Arizona suggested Biden should consider stepping aside to ensure a Democratic victory, joining Texas Representative Lloyd Doggett in this sentiment.
Democratic Governors Rally Behind Biden’s Re-Election Amid Calls for New Candidate
High-profile figures like Damon Lindelof and Democratic donor Whitney Tilson have also voiced their concerns, urging Biden to withdraw from the race. Tilson noted a significant shift in support following Biden’s recent debate performance, indicating a growing reluctance among Democrats to back his candidacy.
Despite these dissenting voices, other prominent Democrats continue to back Biden. California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his support on social media, reinforcing his commitment to Biden’s campaign. Vice President Kamala Harris was also present at the meeting, underscoring the administration’s unified front.
Jean-Pierre defended Biden’s debate performance, attributing it to fatigue and illness due to a rigorous travel schedule, including international trips and the G7 Summit.
The White House has been proactive in addressing concerns about Biden’s debate performance. Jean-Pierre clarified that while Biden acknowledged it was not his best night, he remains focused on his campaign.
The administration emphasized Biden’s ongoing responsibilities and the challenges of maintaining a demanding travel itinerary. The Biden campaign aims to reassure supporters and donors of his capability and resolve, pointing to a more energetic campaign rally in North Carolina following the debate.
Looking ahead, Biden is set to participate in an unscripted interview with George Stephanopoulos of ABC News and a campaign event in Madison, Wisconsin. These efforts are part of the campaign’s strategy to demonstrate Biden’s readiness and commitment to winning re-election.
The administration continues to lay out a robust case for Biden’s agenda, aiming to solidify support and counter any narratives questioning his viability as the Democratic nominee.
