President consults family at Camp David after debate prompts worries within party over his re-election strength.
President Joe Biden is expected to confer with family members at Camp David following a challenging debate performance that has raised doubts within Democratic ranks about his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. This meeting, which was planned before Thursday’s debate, will include the first lady, Jill Biden, along with Biden’s children and grandchildren.
Publicly, high-profile Democrats, including former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, have voiced their support for Biden. Yet, some senior congressional leaders have reportedly expressed private concerns regarding his viability as a candidate, despite outwardly maintaining their endorsement.
One Democratic House member, who has privately urged Biden to reconsider his candidacy, claimed that other colleagues expressed similar doubts during informal conversations on the House floor. However, spokespersons for key Democratic figures like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Jim Clyburn have emphasized their full support for Biden.
Close aides and advisers are mindful of the deeply personal nature of Biden’s decision-making process. They recognize that the president’s path forward may ultimately depend on his and his family’s deliberations, as Biden is known to weigh his wife’s counsel above all others.
Interviews with over a dozen Democratic officials reveal a party wrestling with concerns about Biden’s re-election strength. Despite Biden’s spirited rally speech in North Carolina on Friday, insiders describe him as deeply aware of the debate’s damaging optics and impact on his confidence.
This weekend’s family gathering at Camp David, while not a formal meeting, may still serve as an opportunity for Biden to reflect on his campaign’s future. Top advisers insist that the president remains committed to moving forward despite the debate setback.