President Joe Biden admitted that international travel took a toll on his performance in the recent debate against former President Donald Trump, causing widespread concern among his party.
The fallout from his lackluster debate has prompted increasing anxiety within Democratic ranks, with some urging Biden to withdraw from the presidential race.
The Daily Mail reported that during a Tuesday night fundraiser in McLean, Virginia, President Biden attributed his poor performance in the debate to the extensive international travel he undertook prior to the event. Biden admitted that his travel schedule left him fatigued.
Biden acknowledged he "almost fell asleep on stage" during the debate due to his packed itinerary. "I wasn't very smart for traveling around the world a couple times before the debate," he said.
He explained that he decided to "travel around the world a couple of times … shortly before the debate," emphasizing that he did not heed his staff’s advice against it. "It’s not an excuse but an explanation," he noted.
Biden's travel included back-to-back trips to France for the D-Day anniversary and Italy for the G7, leading up to the debate. Following these trips, he headed to Rehoboth Beach for the Juneteenth holiday and then spent a week at Camp David for debate preparation.
However, the New York Times reported that his advisers cut his debate prep short by two days because of travel fatigue and to accommodate the beach trip. At Camp David, the preparation started late in the morning and allowed for naps each afternoon.
Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed Biden’s performance from the White House podium, openly admitting that it was a "bad night." She reassured that, "It is not uncommon for incumbents to have a bad night on their first debate."
Biden's faltering performance, marked by halted and rambling answers, dominated headlines and fueled panic among Democratic donors. Jean-Pierre offered context, suggesting Biden was suffering from a cold.
Questions about Biden's health and fitness for a second term surfaced among Democrats. Some have started to publicly express reservations about his campaign viability moving forward.
Among those voicing concern is Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas, who called on Biden to step down from the race. Doggett expressed his respect for Biden's achievements but stressed the need for a change in leadership direction.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett outlined his reservations by emphasizing Biden’s commitment to the country. "Recognizing that, unlike Trump, President Biden's first commitment has always been to our country, not himself, I am hopeful that he will make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw," Doggett stated.
From the White House, Jean-Pierre endeavored to divert focus back to Biden's busy schedule, mentioning his forthcoming travel and various public engagements. Nonetheless, the debate's impact continues to resonate within party circles.
Trump was acknowledged as the clear winner of the debate, with Biden’s faltering responses under scrutiny. This outcome has intensified the scrutiny on Biden’s fitness to continue the presidential campaign.
Jean-Pierre tried to manage the fallout by highlighting the president's other commitments, stating, "We want to turn the page on this, and we want to turn the page for the American people as well, because we know that they need to see him out there."
She reiterated that there are no plans for Biden to step aside, insisting, "It's a no. And I hope you're asking the other guy the same exact question." However, the press and the public remain fixed on the ramifications of Biden’s debate performance.
As the debate aftermath continues, Biden and his team are working to stabilize the campaign narrative. His travels and the subsequent preparation strategy have become key points of discussion in this effort.
The unsuccessful debate against Trump has ignited a fervent debate within the Democratic Party, as supporters and advisors grapple with the best way forward. Biden's next steps will be crucial in addressing the growing concerns.
President Joe Biden's attribution of his poor debate performance to his demanding travel schedule has added a complex layer to his campaign.
As calls for his withdrawal intensify, his team must navigate these turbulent waters carefully.
Ultimately, the president's handling of this situation may define the trajectory of his political future, with pivotal decisions imminent in the wake of his recent challenges.
