In the aftermath of President Joe Biden's lackluster debate performance, several Democrats in competitive districts have expressed concerns to the Biden campaign and the White House. They fear that Biden's presence at the top of the ticket could not only harm the party's chances of retaining the presidency but also hinder their goal of regaining control of the House of Representatives from the GOP.
These Democratic lawmakers believe that Biden's candidacy might dampen voter turnout, a crucial factor in determining the outcome of key races, thus jeopardizing their prospects in the upcoming November elections. Some have even gone as far as expressing doubts about Biden's ability to defeat former President Donald Trump.
Specifically, Democrats in closely contested races are feeling the pressure, with concerns being raised about the impact of Biden's performance on their electoral fortunes. Retiring Rep. Ann Kuster, representing a swing seat in New Hampshire, has been in communication with both the White House and the Biden campaign regarding these concerns.
While some Democrats have voiced reservations about Biden's candidacy, others, like Rep. Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, have reiterated their support for Biden. DelBene emphasized the high stakes of the election and the clear choice between responsible Democratic governance and what she described as extremist Republican policies.
In response to the growing unease among Democrats, the White House sought to address the concerns, acknowledging Biden's subpar debate performance. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that Biden remains focused on delivering for the American people despite his age and recent debate showing.
The Biden campaign also reassured that the President has engaged with various elected officials following the debate, indicating efforts to address the apprehensions within the party. Despite the internal discord, the campaign remains optimistic about Democrats' chances in the upcoming elections.