President Biden recently sat down for his first televised interview since a lackluster debate performance, hoping to reassure supporters and quiet the voices within the Democratic Party calling for him to drop out. However, reactions from Democrats varied widely after the interview aired on ABC News on Friday night.
While some current and former Democratic officials who had previously called on Mr. Biden to end his re-election campaign found the interview lacking in substance, others reiterated their support for the president. Reliable supporters of the Biden campaign reaffirmed their commitment to sticking with him, indicating a divided response from within the party.
Critics of the president among Democrats, including those urging him to step aside, expressed concerns about his performance. Representative Lloyd Doggett of Texas highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for Mr. Biden to consider his legacy and the potential consequences of remaining in the race.
Representative Mike Quigley of Illinois echoed these sentiments, pointing out what he perceived as deficiencies in Mr. Biden’s vigor and capability to overcome challenges. Despite these criticisms, some Democratic lawmakers remained steadfast in their support for the president, reaffirming their commitment to helping him win re-election in November.
Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, known for his outspoken support of Mr. Biden, emphasized the importance of unity within the party. Representative James Clyburn of South Carolina also voiced his support for the president, highlighting the need for his leadership in the country.
While concerns have been raised by some Democrats, others like Representative Nanette Barragán of California defended Mr. Biden’s performance in the interview, commending his quick responses and clarity on various issues. Representative Ro Khanna underscored the importance of transparency and building trust with voters through continued engagement.
As the debate within the Democratic Party continues, former presidential candidate Julián Castro criticized Mr. Biden for being in denial about his declining prospects. Other voices, like former Representative Tim Ryan of Ohio, expressed skepticism about the president’s ability to connect with voters and address their concerns.
Mark Buell, a prominent donor for Mr. Biden and the Democratic Party, emphasized the importance of turning the tide and preventing a potential slide in support for the president. The varying opinions and reactions within the party demonstrate the complexity of the situation and the challenges facing the Biden campaign.
Maya C. Miller, Robert Jimison, and Zolan Kanno-Youngs contributed reporting from Washington. Simon J. Levien contributed reporting from Massachusetts.
