Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming week for President Joe Biden following questions raised after his recent debate performance. Connolly highlighted key events in Biden's schedule, including an interview with George Stephanopoulos, travel to the Midwest for unscripted public rallies, and hosting a major summit for the 75th anniversary of NATO in Washington.
Connolly expressed the importance of Biden demonstrating mental acuity, alertness, humor, and spontaneity during these upcoming engagements. He stressed the need for Biden to speak extemporaneously without relying on teleprompters or cue cards and to engage with the public in an expressive manner to dispel any doubts that have been raised.
Connolly underscored the significance of the next week as a pivotal moment for Biden to address concerns and showcase his capabilities. He acknowledged that the party faces tough decisions if Biden fails to meet expectations, particularly in light of the upcoming presidential election against Donald Trump.
When questioned about Biden's viability as the party's best candidate for the November election, Connolly refrained from making a definitive statement, noting that the aftermath of the debate needed to settle before a clear assessment could be made.