U.S. President Joe Biden has embarked on a series of fundraising events to reassure Democratic donors following a lackluster performance in the first presidential debate against presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. Concerns have emerged within the Democratic Party about Biden’s re-election prospects, with some discussing the possibility of replacing him as the nominee.
The friction began with a fundraising email sent on Saturday night by Rob Flaherty, deputy Biden campaign manager, targeting critics of Biden’s debate performance. Flaherty referred to “self-important Podcasters,” a pointed jab at the hosts of “Pod Save America,” Jon Favreau, Tommy Vietor, Dan Pfeiffer, and Jon Lovett—all former aides to Obama. These hosts had expressed deep concerns about Biden’s debate performance on their podcast.
Flaherty dismissed these critics, labeling them as “bedwetters” who have a history of panicking, referencing their fears during the 2016 election loss to Donald Trump. This aggressive stance from the Biden campaign has stirred controversy among Democrats, many of whom believe that such internal criticism is unhelpful.
Favreau, in a phone call with POLITICO, defended the need for open discussion within the party. “We’re the Democratic Party and we are the ones trying to fight for a democracy where you can disagree in thoughtful ways without being disagreeable, trust people to be adults and have a conversation,” he said. Vietor echoed this sentiment in a text, highlighting the broader concerns among the electorate about Biden’s performance and the need to address them constructively.
James Carville, a veteran Democratic strategist, also voiced his concerns, asserting that Biden’s debate performance raised doubts about his suitability as the party’s nominee. Despite criticism from senior Democrats urging him to temper his remarks, Carville remained steadfast, arguing that the concerns he raised were legitimate and widely held.
During a fundraiser at New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s residence on Saturday, Biden addressed these concerns, acknowledging his subpar debate performance but reaffirming his commitment to the campaign. “I didn’t have a great night, but I’m going to be fighting harder,” he told attendees. He emphasized the threat he believes Trump poses to democracy and the U.S. economy if re-elected.
Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have been actively participating in high-profile fundraising events to secure financial backing for the campaign. One such event was held in East Hampton, New York, at the home of Avram Glazer, owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, followed by another fundraiser at the residence of investor Barry Rosenstein. Rosenstein’s wife, Lizanne, praised Biden’s performance in office compared to Trump’s.
The Biden campaign has reported raising over $27 million on Thursday and Friday, including $3 million from a New York City fundraiser focused on the LGBTQ community. These efforts reflect Biden’s strategy to maintain donor confidence despite the recent debate performance.
There is growing unease among Democratic donors about Biden’s ability to lead a successful re-election campaign. This concern has led to discussions about potential replacements, with names such as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Vice President Kamala Harris being mentioned. However, no formal moves have been made to replace Biden as the presumptive nominee due to the significant logistical and reputational challenges involved.
At a campaign event on Friday, Biden candidly addressed his performance and physical capabilities. “I might not walk as easily or talk as smoothly as I used to. I might not debate as well as I used to,” he said. “But what I do know is how to tell the truth.”
Throughout his fundraising efforts, Biden has consistently directed attention towards Trump, criticizing his presidential record and debate performance. Biden’s campaign is positioning him as a bulwark against what they describe as the potential dangers of a second Trump term.
The Biden campaign faces a challenging period as it navigates the fallout from the debate and works to address internal concerns while maintaining a unified front. Despite attempts to consolidate support around Biden, lingering doubts about his ability to effectively campaign remain in some influential circles in Washington.
As the election draws nearer, the Biden campaign’s ability to reconcile these internal conflicts and reassure the Democratic base will be crucial in determining its prospects for success in the general election.
