Biden admits shortcomings during the debate, but declares that he will defend democracy

2024-06-29 09:19:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Biden admits shortcomings during the debate, but declares that he will defend

President Joe Biden

President Joe Biden tried hard Friday to calm concerns among Democrats about his performance during the debate with former President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, the party's elected officials rallied around him in an effort to stop ideas about replacing him as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate.

His reluctance during the debate, and particularly muted comments early in the debate, fueled fears among his own party members that, at 81, he is not up to the task of leading the country for four other years. This created a moment of crisis for his election campaign and for his presidency, as members of his own party began contacting potential replacements, as well as donors and supporters who could no longer contain their concern about his poor showing against former President Trump.

President Biden appeared to acknowledge the criticism during a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, saying "I don't debate as well as I used to." But, he added that "I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done." In an 18-minute speech, President Biden appeared much more animated than he appeared the night before and slammed former President Trump for his "lies" and his campaign of "revenge and retribution," as says President Biden.

"The choice in this election is simple," said President Biden. "Donald Trump will destroy our democracy. I will protect him."

He added, alluding to his candidacy: "When they knock you down, you have to stand up again."

Since before the debate, President Biden's age had been a weak point for voters, and the appearance in Thursday night's showdown appeared to reinforce deep-seated public concerns. All this happened in front of the biggest audience he will probably have until Election Day.

Behind the scenes, his campaign officials spent hours working to calm concerns and maintain the support of donors and officials. Democratic lawmakers on Friday acknowledged President Biden's poor showing but tried to stop ideas about replacing him as the front-runner. They tried to shift attention to former President Trump's attacks and statements, which they hope will remind voters of the daily turmoil during his presidency.

"The president didn't really have a good night, but so did Donald Trump, with lies after lies and his dark vision for America," said North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, speaking to the news agency. the Associated Press on Friday, hours after he was set to introduce President Biden in Raleigh. "We cannot take Donald Trump to the White House again. He is an existential danger for our country."

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries responded with an emphatic "no" when asked Friday if President Biden should step down. However, he added that he would follow with interest how the president would handle his appearance during the debate at Friday's rally.

"I look forward to hearing from President Biden," he said. "And until he articulates a vision of his own for America, I'll reserve comment on anything relevant to where we are right now." I can only say that I support his candidacy".

Democratic lawmaker Ritchie Torres said that "since yesterday's appearance, I have had to take more painkillers than usual."

"People have asked me if I feel good about the debate. You should know that a presidency of Donald Trump would disturb me much more than the appearance of Joe Biden in the debate".

President Biden's campaign team described the rally in Raleigh as the largest ever held in the state that former President Trump narrowly won in 2020. Next, President Biden will travel to New York for a weekend of events with major donors, whom his campaign needs more than ever in its efforts to overtake former President Trump.

Under current Democratic Party rules, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to replace President Biden as the party's official nominee without his will, or the willingness of party officials to change the rules at the national convention being held. in August./ Voa