The recent debate between President Joe Biden and his rival, former President Donald Trump, has left top Democratic lawmakers expressing deep concerns about Biden’s poor performance. Even former President Barack Obama, who has become more pessimistic about Biden’s chances of winning the election, has privately stated that Biden’s path has become more difficult after the shaky debate performance.
Some members of Congress are urging Biden to step down, fearing that his presidency could harm their chances of holding the Senate or flipping the House if he loses in November. There is frustration among some congressional leaders over Biden’s lack of communication with Democratic leaders, with one House Democrat questioning why he hasn’t reached out to congressional leadership. Lawmakers are also concerned about Biden’s mental and physical decline, speculating that his family may not want him to face skeptics.
The stakes of maintaining a Senate majority and retaking the House are high for Democrats following the debate, with reports of panic among White House officials. In response to Biden’s performance, top Democratic donors are planning to invest significant amounts of money in House and Senate candidates as a precaution against a second Trump term. Some lawmakers believe that even if Biden were to remain in office, he would need to make substantial changes including replacing his top campaign advisers.
Former President Barack Obama has privately conveyed to allies that Biden’s path to reelection has become more challenging after the debate and offered his support to the embattled former vice president. Obama spoke with Biden by phone after the debate but it is unclear how directly he addressed
