LOADINGERROR LOADING
President Joe Biden and his team are still scrambling to assure voters he’s capable of running the country after his poor debate performance last week while former President Donald Trump is riding high on a big win at the Supreme Court.
A New York Times/Siena poll and a Wall Street Journal poll, both released Wednesday, showed Biden trailing Trump by 6 percentage points after last week’s presidential debate. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have both attempted to rally staffers about his ability to govern, with Biden saying “no one’s pushing me out.”
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Trump, meanwhile, is enjoying the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision in his immunity case, which prompted Judge Juan Merchan in New York City to delay the sentencing in his hush money trial until September and likely punted a trial on his Jan. 6, 2021, charges until after the November election.
See our previous reporting on the 2024 race here.
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Biden Rejects Calls To Drop Out. Here's The Latest.
- The president called into “Morning Joe” for about 15 minutes Monday morning, appearing defiant in the face of growing calls for him to drop out of the race.
- During the interview, Biden challenged his critics within the party to run against him at the Democratic National Convention next month.
- Earlier this morning, Biden sent a letter to Congressional Democrats, projecting confidence he will defeat Trump in November despite polls painting a more complicated picture of his reelection bid.
- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a prominent Democrat who has been floated as potential Biden replacement, told The Associated Press she has no plans to run for president even if Biden were to drop out.
- Over the weekend, more Democrats cast doubt on Biden’s White House bid. Senior Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) joined a private leadership call with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, where they said Biden should withdraw his candidacy.
- Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) tried to plan a call for today with his fellow Senate Democrats to discuss Biden’s political future. The meeting was reportedly scrapped over privacy concerns.
- Biden aides are reportedly speculating about the identity of a senior White House official who told The New York Times the president shouldn’t be seeking reelection.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Says It ‘Wouldn’t Hurt’ For Biden To Take Cognitive Test
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) said Wednesday night that it “wouldn’t hurt” for Biden to take a cognitive test, although she said she remains supportive of the president’s reelection bid in an interview with CNN.
“He shows up every day and fights for the American public,” Whitmer told CNN’s Abby Phillip. “We have a field, and unless one person, Joe Biden, makes an alternative decision, this is the field, and we’ve got to go.”
The governor added that some people “want to just pick a couple of random leaders that they like across the country and design a ticket.”
“That’s just not how this works,” Whitmer said. “We have a president who’s gotten a nomination, who’s earned it.”
“He shows up every day and fights for the American public,” Whitmer told CNN’s Abby Phillip. “We have a field, and unless one person, Joe Biden, makes an alternative decision, this is the field, and we’ve got to go.”
The governor added that some people “want to just pick a couple of random leaders that they like across the country and design a ticket.”
“That’s just not how this works,” Whitmer said. “We have a president who’s gotten a nomination, who’s earned it.”
Giorgio Viera via Getty Images
Donald Trump Slams George Clooney For Weighing In On Presidential Election
In a Truth Social post on Wednesday night, Trump attacked actor George Clooney, who recently wrote an opinion article calling on Biden to drop out of the presidential election.
“So now fake movie actor George Clooney, who never came close to making a great movie, is getting into the act. He’s turned on Crooked Joe like the rats they both are. What does Clooney know about anything?” he wrote.
“He uses the Democrat 'talking point' that Biden, the WORST President in the history of the United States, has 'saved our Democracy' …. Crooked Joe Biden didn’t save our Democracy, he brought our Democracy to its knees. Clooney should get out of politics and go back to television. Movies never really worked for him!!!”
“So now fake movie actor George Clooney, who never came close to making a great movie, is getting into the act. He’s turned on Crooked Joe like the rats they both are. What does Clooney know about anything?” he wrote.
“He uses the Democrat 'talking point' that Biden, the WORST President in the history of the United States, has 'saved our Democracy' …. Crooked Joe Biden didn’t save our Democracy, he brought our Democracy to its knees. Clooney should get out of politics and go back to television. Movies never really worked for him!!!”
Nadler: 'We All Have To Support' Biden
Everything's Set For Trump's VP Pick
The Trump team has plenty of opportunities this week to drum up enthusiasm for the announcement of his running mate, the Associated Press reports.
Senior advisers insist they don't know who the former president will pick.
Senior advisers insist they don't know who the former president will pick.
Former Aide: Trump Is 'Afraid' Of Harris
Former Trump White House communications director Alyssa Farah Griffin said there's a reason the former president isn't really "out there shouting about the debate" with Biden.
That's because he "knows that Joe Biden will lose to him" but he's "afraid" of Kamala Harris, Griffin told "The View."
That's because he "knows that Joe Biden will lose to him" but he's "afraid" of Kamala Harris, Griffin told "The View."
Haberman: Trump Advisers' Fears Playing Out Before Election
The New York Times' Maggie Haberman told CNN's Kaitlan Collins that Trump aides have been "frustrated" by the Biden campaign linking the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 playbook to Trump.
AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File
Trump Doesn’t Think Biden Will Drop Out: ‘Nobody Wants To Give Up That Way’
Trump said Monday night he doesn’t think Biden will drop his reelection bid amid concerns about his age, saying his competitor has an “ego” and “nobody wants to give up that way.”
Trump spoke to Fox News host Sean Hannity as Biden seeks to staunch his political losses in Washington this week following the president’s troubling performance at their debate matchup last month.
“It looks to me like he may very well stay in. He’s got an ego and he doesn’t want to quit,” Trump said. “He doesn’t want to do that. It looks to me like that's what he wants."
Trump spoke to Fox News host Sean Hannity as Biden seeks to staunch his political losses in Washington this week following the president’s troubling performance at their debate matchup last month.
“It looks to me like he may very well stay in. He’s got an ego and he doesn’t want to quit,” Trump said. “He doesn’t want to do that. It looks to me like that's what he wants."
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Says It Stands With Biden
The chair and deputy chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus threw their support behind Biden and Harris on Monday, championing the president’s work to “empower Latino communities across the country.”
“President Biden and his administration have worked closely with House Democrats to make historic investments to positively impact communities across the country,” Reps. Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.) and Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) said in a statement. “We look forward to our continued partnership on the road and legislative wins to benefit the American people.”
“President Biden and his administration have worked closely with House Democrats to make historic investments to positively impact communities across the country,” Reps. Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.) and Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) said in a statement. “We look forward to our continued partnership on the road and legislative wins to benefit the American people.”
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Biden Has Not Seen Neurologist Outside Of Annual Physicals, White House Doctor Says
Biden has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physicals, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the physician to the president, said in a memo on Monday evening after reports that a Parkinson’s expert had visited the White House eight times in eight months.
The last time Biden had a physical, on Feb. 28, he received an “extremely detailed neurologic exam” that concluded there were no findings consistent with any central neurological disorder, including stroke, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s.
The White House released the memo amid tense questioning by the media on Monday following reports that the expert, Dr. Kevin Cannard, had regularly visited in recent months.
The memo said those visits were part of regular neurology clinics at the White House to support “the thousands of active-duty members assigned in support of White House operations.”
“Many military personnel experience neurological issues related their service, and Dr. Cannard regularly visits the WHMU as part of this General Neurology practice,” the memo says.
The last time Biden had a physical, on Feb. 28, he received an “extremely detailed neurologic exam” that concluded there were no findings consistent with any central neurological disorder, including stroke, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s.
The White House released the memo amid tense questioning by the media on Monday following reports that the expert, Dr. Kevin Cannard, had regularly visited in recent months.
The memo said those visits were part of regular neurology clinics at the White House to support “the thousands of active-duty members assigned in support of White House operations.”
“Many military personnel experience neurological issues related their service, and Dr. Cannard regularly visits the WHMU as part of this General Neurology practice,” the memo says.
Rep. Bennie Thompson Says Congressional Black Caucus ‘Felt Very Good’ About Meeting With Biden
Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) said Monday night the Congressional Black Caucus felt “very good” after meeting with Biden as lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill.
“The Congressional Black Caucus, historically, has been very supportive of the Democratic nominee. Joe Biden is no different,” Thompson told CNN’s Anderson Cooper. “In return, the policies that he’s promoted have been very beneficial to our constituency.
“So we heard from him, we felt very good and we understand. But we will take Joe Biden any day over a convicted felon.”
Thompson went on to say that Democrats would need to rally behind the president if he remains in the race and said he believed an overwhelming majority of the CBC would support his bid.
“My plea to my Democratic colleagues is, sure you can express yourself, but at some point, if Joe Biden continues to run the campaign and he’s a nominee, we all have to rally behind him,” he said on CNN. “His record speaks for itself.”
“The Congressional Black Caucus, historically, has been very supportive of the Democratic nominee. Joe Biden is no different,” Thompson told CNN’s Anderson Cooper. “In return, the policies that he’s promoted have been very beneficial to our constituency.
“So we heard from him, we felt very good and we understand. But we will take Joe Biden any day over a convicted felon.”
Thompson went on to say that Democrats would need to rally behind the president if he remains in the race and said he believed an overwhelming majority of the CBC would support his bid.
“My plea to my Democratic colleagues is, sure you can express yourself, but at some point, if Joe Biden continues to run the campaign and he’s a nominee, we all have to rally behind him,” he said on CNN. “His record speaks for itself.”
Sen. Patty Murray Says Joe Biden Needs To ‘Seriously Consider’ Legacy
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who is the Senate president pro tempore, said Monday that Democrats need to see Biden be “much more forceful and energetic” on the campaign trial “in the very near future.”
The lawmaker went on to say the president needs to convince voters “he is up to the job,” adding he should consider how best to move forward.
"At this critical time for our country, President Biden must seriously consider the best way to preserve his incredible legacy and secure it for the future,” she said.
The lawmaker went on to say the president needs to convince voters “he is up to the job,” adding he should consider how best to move forward.
"At this critical time for our country, President Biden must seriously consider the best way to preserve his incredible legacy and secure it for the future,” she said.
AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta
AOC: ‘Joe Biden Is Our Nominee’
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said Biden would not be leaving the race and that the president had her support moving forward.
“What I think is critically important right now is that we focus on what it takes to win in November because he is running against Donald Trump,” the Democrat told reporters on Monday, per NBC News’ Ryan Nobles.
“(Trump) is a man with 34 felony convictions that has been convicted of 34 felony crimes, and not a single Republican has asked for Donald Trump to not be the nominee.”
Ocasio-Cortez said she had spoken to Biden over the weekend.
“What I think is critically important right now is that we focus on what it takes to win in November because he is running against Donald Trump,” the Democrat told reporters on Monday, per NBC News’ Ryan Nobles.
“(Trump) is a man with 34 felony convictions that has been convicted of 34 felony crimes, and not a single Republican has asked for Donald Trump to not be the nominee.”
Ocasio-Cortez said she had spoken to Biden over the weekend.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries Says He Supports Biden: ‘My Position Has Not Changed’
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) reiterated his support for Biden on Monday as lawmakers were returning to the Capitol after a two-week break.
“I made clear, the day after the debate, publicly, that I support President Joe Biden and the Democratic ticket,” Jeffries told reporters. “My position has not changed.”
“I made clear, the day after the debate, publicly, that I support President Joe Biden and the Democratic ticket,” Jeffries told reporters. “My position has not changed.”
2 Democratic Senators Raise Concerns About Biden's Candidacy
Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) each released statements Monday effectively calling on Biden to prove he's capable of winning the election.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Warner said Biden needs to "more aggressively make his case to the American people” and listen to “a broader group of voices about how to best prevent Trump’s lawlessness from returning to the White House.”
Warner had helped organize a call on Monday in which Senate Democrats were poised to talk about Biden’s candidacy. But the call was reportedly canceled over privacy concerns.
Heinrich’s statement, also released on X, called on Biden to show that his subpar debate performance was an isolated occurrence.
“However, what I care most about is the preservation of our democracy. President Biden needs to continue to demonstrate that his debate performance was just a bad night and that he has a clear path to defeating Donald Trump,” Heinrich said. “Our democracy hangs in the balance.”
Like Warner and Heinrich, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) also spoke out Monday about the importance of beating Donald Trump, according to HuffPost’s Igor Bobic. However, Schatz did not directly address issues with Biden’s candidacy but instead pushed for “in-person family conversations.”
“The most important thing for Democrats or for the country is to beat Donald Trump,” Schatz told reporters. “And so it's important that we have in-person family conversations about the best way to do that. And I'm not going to comment further.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Warner said Biden needs to "more aggressively make his case to the American people” and listen to “a broader group of voices about how to best prevent Trump’s lawlessness from returning to the White House.”
Warner had helped organize a call on Monday in which Senate Democrats were poised to talk about Biden’s candidacy. But the call was reportedly canceled over privacy concerns.
Heinrich’s statement, also released on X, called on Biden to show that his subpar debate performance was an isolated occurrence.
“However, what I care most about is the preservation of our democracy. President Biden needs to continue to demonstrate that his debate performance was just a bad night and that he has a clear path to defeating Donald Trump,” Heinrich said. “Our democracy hangs in the balance.”
Like Warner and Heinrich, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) also spoke out Monday about the importance of beating Donald Trump, according to HuffPost’s Igor Bobic. However, Schatz did not directly address issues with Biden’s candidacy but instead pushed for “in-person family conversations.”
“The most important thing for Democrats or for the country is to beat Donald Trump,” Schatz told reporters. “And so it's important that we have in-person family conversations about the best way to do that. And I'm not going to comment further.”
Biden To Hold Q&A With Congressional Black Caucus Tonight: Report
Biden will meet with and take questions from the Congressional Black Caucus this evening, according to an Axios report.
The president's campaign says the meeting will cover the "stakes of the 2024 election and their shared commitment to beating Donald Trump this November.”
The president's campaign says the meeting will cover the "stakes of the 2024 election and their shared commitment to beating Donald Trump this November.”
Rep. Adam Smith On Biden: ‘I Think He Should Step Aside’
Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, publicly called for Biden to step aside, and suggested that the Democratic nomination go to Kamala Harris.
“I think he should step aside. I think it’s become clear that he’s not the best person to carry the Democratic message,” Smith told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Monday.
Asked if Biden’s debate performance was the deciding factor, Smith said there were “concerns leading up to it.”
"The president’s performance in the debate was alarming to watch, and the American people have made it clear they no longer see him as a credible candidate to serve four more years as president," he said.
Smith said his feelings aren't personal and that he believes Biden is a good president. He added that focusing on Biden's mental acuity is a distraction from the threat Trump poses.
“Look at what is best for the party, what is best for the country. Personally, I think Kamala Harris would be a much better, stronger candidate. And because she is, constitutionally, the second, that’s the way it’s supposed to work,” Smith said.
He continued: “If we get through the convention and he’s the nominee, I’m all in. But I know in my heart and my soul and my brain that we can do better and I know what the stakes are.”
Smith joined a group of several senior House Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), in calling for the end of Biden's reelection campaign.
“I think he should step aside. I think it’s become clear that he’s not the best person to carry the Democratic message,” Smith told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Monday.
Asked if Biden’s debate performance was the deciding factor, Smith said there were “concerns leading up to it.”
"The president’s performance in the debate was alarming to watch, and the American people have made it clear they no longer see him as a credible candidate to serve four more years as president," he said.
Smith said his feelings aren't personal and that he believes Biden is a good president. He added that focusing on Biden's mental acuity is a distraction from the threat Trump poses.
“Look at what is best for the party, what is best for the country. Personally, I think Kamala Harris would be a much better, stronger candidate. And because she is, constitutionally, the second, that’s the way it’s supposed to work,” Smith said.
He continued: “If we get through the convention and he’s the nominee, I’m all in. But I know in my heart and my soul and my brain that we can do better and I know what the stakes are.”
Smith joined a group of several senior House Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), in calling for the end of Biden's reelection campaign.
Updated GOP Convention Schedule Released
An updated schedule for the 2024 GOP Convention is out and can be viewed on the event's website.
The event takes place next week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The event takes place next week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Is Dark Brandon Back?
When a voter told Biden Democrats needed Dark Brandon to come back, Biden obliged.
“Dark Brandon is coming back,” he said, rousing the crowd into applause.
Biden had embraced this persona, with Brandon introduced last year by Trump supporters to insult the president.
Since then, Biden has sold campaign merch declaring the era of Dark Brandon.
“Dark Brandon is coming back,” he said, rousing the crowd into applause.
Biden had embraced this persona, with Brandon introduced last year by Trump supporters to insult the president.
Since then, Biden has sold campaign merch declaring the era of Dark Brandon.
RNC’s 2024 Platform Reads Like Something Trump Came Up With All By Himself
The RNC Platform Committee just adopted the party’s 2024 platform ahead of their convention next week. Judging from a copy distributed by NBC News’ Sahil Kapur, the “committee” may as well have been the whims of one man: Donald Trump.
The document refers to Trump, who repeatedly attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 election, as “an unapologetic Champion of the American People,” and credits him for spurring “Historic Economic Growth, Job Creation, and a Resurgence of American Manufacturing,” none of which are true.
An all-caps list segmenting the platform into 20 distinct bullet points shows considerable overlap, especially concerning immigration. In addition to pledging to “STOP THE MIGRANT INVASION,” the platform also calls to “STOP THE MIGRANT CRIME EPIDEMIC,” “CARRY OUT THE LARGEST DEPORTATION OPERATION IN AMERICAN HISTORY,” and “DEPORT PRO-HAMAS RADICALS.”
The list also includes other vague and misleading items like, “END THE WEAPONIZATION OF GOVERNMENT AGAINST THE AMERICAN PEOPLE,” “CANCEL THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE MANDATE,” and “KEEP MEN OUT OF WOMEN’S SPORTS.”
The document refers to Trump, who repeatedly attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 election, as “an unapologetic Champion of the American People,” and credits him for spurring “Historic Economic Growth, Job Creation, and a Resurgence of American Manufacturing,” none of which are true.
An all-caps list segmenting the platform into 20 distinct bullet points shows considerable overlap, especially concerning immigration. In addition to pledging to “STOP THE MIGRANT INVASION,” the platform also calls to “STOP THE MIGRANT CRIME EPIDEMIC,” “CARRY OUT THE LARGEST DEPORTATION OPERATION IN AMERICAN HISTORY,” and “DEPORT PRO-HAMAS RADICALS.”
The list also includes other vague and misleading items like, “END THE WEAPONIZATION OF GOVERNMENT AGAINST THE AMERICAN PEOPLE,” “CANCEL THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE MANDATE,” and “KEEP MEN OUT OF WOMEN’S SPORTS.”
Parkinson's Disease Expert Has Visited White House Repeatedly: NYT Report
A Parkinson's disease expert from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center visited the White House repeatedly over the course of eight months leading up to March this year, according to The New York Times.
Dr. Kevin Cannard, a neurologist who has been with the White House medical team for more than 12 years, visited at least eight times, including one meeting with Biden's physician, the paper reported.
It wasn't clear whether the visits had anything to do with the president's health specifically, and the White House maintains that Biden shows no signs of the disease. His most recent test was reportedly in February.
Read more here.
Dr. Kevin Cannard, a neurologist who has been with the White House medical team for more than 12 years, visited at least eight times, including one meeting with Biden's physician, the paper reported.
It wasn't clear whether the visits had anything to do with the president's health specifically, and the White House maintains that Biden shows no signs of the disease. His most recent test was reportedly in February.
Read more here.
Biden To Speak At LBJ Presidential Library To Honor Civil Rights Act
Biden will give a keynote address at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas, on July 15th to mark the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, the library announced Monday morning.
The president will speak as part of a public program that will be "livestreamed to the nation," reads a press release about the event.
The timing of the event comes at a high-stakes moment for Biden's reelection campaign. He flopped in his debate with GOP presidential hopeful Donald Trump late last month, and some Democratic lawmakers and party operatives have been openly panicking about him having the mental acuity to defeat Trump in the November election. Some Democratic lawmakers have called on him to step aside, but most have stayed mum, watching to see if and how Biden can clean things up this week.
The president told Democratic lawmakers early Monday that he's "not going anywhere," and his campaign has been scrambling to sign him up for public events so people can see for themselves that Biden is up to the task of winning the election.
Biden is reportedly planning to court Black voters and organized labor to carry him forward through this mess and onto victory in November. His speaking event at the LBJ Presidential Library -- which, again, will be livestreamed -- certainly aligns with this plan.
"We are honored to have President Biden at the LBJ Library to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act,” Mark K. Updegrove, president & CEO of the LBJ Foundation, said in a statement. “It is fitting that he returns to the Library to mark this milestone as our 46th President whose administration is committed to pursuing a 'comprehensive approach to advancing racial equity for all.'"
The president will speak as part of a public program that will be "livestreamed to the nation," reads a press release about the event.
The timing of the event comes at a high-stakes moment for Biden's reelection campaign. He flopped in his debate with GOP presidential hopeful Donald Trump late last month, and some Democratic lawmakers and party operatives have been openly panicking about him having the mental acuity to defeat Trump in the November election. Some Democratic lawmakers have called on him to step aside, but most have stayed mum, watching to see if and how Biden can clean things up this week.
The president told Democratic lawmakers early Monday that he's "not going anywhere," and his campaign has been scrambling to sign him up for public events so people can see for themselves that Biden is up to the task of winning the election.
Biden is reportedly planning to court Black voters and organized labor to carry him forward through this mess and onto victory in November. His speaking event at the LBJ Presidential Library -- which, again, will be livestreamed -- certainly aligns with this plan.
"We are honored to have President Biden at the LBJ Library to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act,” Mark K. Updegrove, president & CEO of the LBJ Foundation, said in a statement. “It is fitting that he returns to the Library to mark this milestone as our 46th President whose administration is committed to pursuing a 'comprehensive approach to advancing racial equity for all.'"
Jill Biden: 'I'm All In, Too'
Biden Doubles Down On Defiance In Call To 'Morning Joe'
An animated, fast-talking Biden just reaffirmed his determination to stay in the race -- and attacked “elites” who say he should step aside.
In a 15-minute phone interview on what is widely understood to be his favorite television show, MSNBC's "Morning Joe," Biden made the same point he did in a letter to Democrats in Congress this morning.
“The bottom line here is that we're not going anywhere, I'm not going anywhere,” Biden said. “I wouldn't be running if I didn’t absolutely believe I was the best candidate to beat Donald Trump in 2024.”
Biden also reiterated another point from the letter: namely, that “we had a democratic nominating process [in the primaries] where the voters spoke clearly.”
Hosts Joe Scarborough and Mike Brzezinski, both longtime Biden supporters, pressed the president about his abilities, citing critics in the media and Democratic Party who have called on him to step aside.
“I don’t care what those big names think,” Biden said. "They were wrong in 2020. They were wrong in 2022 about the red wave. They’re wrong in 2024.”
He also challenged his critics to “come out with me” to see for themselves whether he has what it takes to defeat Trump.
“I beat him last time, I’ll beat him this time,” Biden said.
In a 15-minute phone interview on what is widely understood to be his favorite television show, MSNBC's "Morning Joe," Biden made the same point he did in a letter to Democrats in Congress this morning.
“The bottom line here is that we're not going anywhere, I'm not going anywhere,” Biden said. “I wouldn't be running if I didn’t absolutely believe I was the best candidate to beat Donald Trump in 2024.”
Biden also reiterated another point from the letter: namely, that “we had a democratic nominating process [in the primaries] where the voters spoke clearly.”
Hosts Joe Scarborough and Mike Brzezinski, both longtime Biden supporters, pressed the president about his abilities, citing critics in the media and Democratic Party who have called on him to step aside.
“I don’t care what those big names think,” Biden said. "They were wrong in 2020. They were wrong in 2022 about the red wave. They’re wrong in 2024.”
He also challenged his critics to “come out with me” to see for themselves whether he has what it takes to defeat Trump.
“I beat him last time, I’ll beat him this time,” Biden said.
Joe Biden Calls Into 'Morning Joe'
The president has just called into MSNBC's "Morning Joe."
Host Joe Scarborough has previously cast doubt on Biden's ability to win the election in November following his poor debate showing.
Host Joe Scarborough has previously cast doubt on Biden's ability to win the election in November following his poor debate showing.
Biden Says He Is 'Firmly Committed To Staying In The Race'
In a letter addressed to Congressional Democrats this morning, Biden said he is "firmly committed to staying in the race."
The president said he has had several conversations with party leaders, rank-and-file members as well as voters following the CNN debate last month, adding that he is confident he will defeat Trump despite polls showing bad signs for him.
"I can respond to all this by saying clearly and unequivocally: I wouldn't be running again if I did not absolutely believe I was the best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024," he wrote.
Biden added Democratic voters had a chance to have their say during their primary process and chose him to represent them in November.
"Only three people chose to challenge me. One fared so badly that he left the primaries to run as an independent," Biden said in an apparent reference to Robert Kennedy Jr.
He continued: "The voters of the Democratic Party have voted. They have chosen me to be the nominee of the party."
Biden added that it's time for Democrats to stop talking about replacing him.
"Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us. It is time to come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump," he concluded.
The president said he has had several conversations with party leaders, rank-and-file members as well as voters following the CNN debate last month, adding that he is confident he will defeat Trump despite polls showing bad signs for him.
"I can respond to all this by saying clearly and unequivocally: I wouldn't be running again if I did not absolutely believe I was the best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024," he wrote.
Biden added Democratic voters had a chance to have their say during their primary process and chose him to represent them in November.
"Only three people chose to challenge me. One fared so badly that he left the primaries to run as an independent," Biden said in an apparent reference to Robert Kennedy Jr.
He continued: "The voters of the Democratic Party have voted. They have chosen me to be the nominee of the party."
Biden added that it's time for Democrats to stop talking about replacing him.
"Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us. It is time to come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump," he concluded.
Whitmer Says She Won't Run For President Even If Biden Drops Out
In an interview with The Associated Press ahead of the launch of her book on Tuesday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) said she would not run for president in this election even if Biden dropped out of the race.
"It’s a distraction more than anything," she said of the speculation around her name.
Whitmer conceded the debate "was not his finest 90 minutes."
"That said, this is a man I’ve known for a long time and has decades of public service receipts that he’s delivered to people," Whitmer said of Biden.
Read the full AP piece below.
"It’s a distraction more than anything," she said of the speculation around her name.
Whitmer conceded the debate "was not his finest 90 minutes."
"That said, this is a man I’ve known for a long time and has decades of public service receipts that he’s delivered to people," Whitmer said of Biden.
Read the full AP piece below.
White House Aides Worry As Biden's Political Future Remains Uncertain
CNN's MJ Lee reports that staff inside the White House remain concerned about Biden's future at top of the 2024 Democratic ticket following his poor debate performance.
Aides also reportedly tried to identify the senior White House official who told The New York Times the president shouldn't be seeking reelection.
Read the full CNN report below.
Aides also reportedly tried to identify the senior White House official who told The New York Times the president shouldn't be seeking reelection.
Read the full CNN report below.
Biden Campaign Reaches Out To Hill Democrats
Biden’s campaign sent a memo to Hill Democrats on Sunday, mentioning recent events the president has taken part in, according to Politico Playbook and The Washington Post.
The document also reportedly highlighted a Bloomberg-Morning Consult poll showing Biden well-positioned in some swing states, and featured comments from Democrats who continue to support the president.
Both outlets reported that Biden has so far spoken directly to 20 lawmakers and plans to continue the outreach amid growing pressure on his White House bid.
The document also reportedly highlighted a Bloomberg-Morning Consult poll showing Biden well-positioned in some swing states, and featured comments from Democrats who continue to support the president.
Both outlets reported that Biden has so far spoken directly to 20 lawmakers and plans to continue the outreach amid growing pressure on his White House bid.
The 'Extraordinary Irony' Of Biden's Survival Plan: Column
As Biden appears to be relying on Black Americans and union allies for support as pressure on his reelection bid continues to mount, Politico's Jonathan Martin writes that the irony in this moment is that his most likely successor would be Kamala Harris, the first Black woman to be elected vice president.
"They wouldn’t be turning on him for Pete Buttigieg or Bernie Sanders," Martin writes. "The alternative would very likely be Biden’s vice president. And that’s the extraordinary irony of this moment: If Biden is ultimately forced off the ticket, he may have unwittingly done it to himself by picking Harris in the first place."
Read Martin's full piece for Politico below.
"They wouldn’t be turning on him for Pete Buttigieg or Bernie Sanders," Martin writes. "The alternative would very likely be Biden’s vice president. And that’s the extraordinary irony of this moment: If Biden is ultimately forced off the ticket, he may have unwittingly done it to himself by picking Harris in the first place."
Read Martin's full piece for Politico below.
Biden To Hold Press Conference This Week
Biden is planning to hold a press conference with White House reporters "most likely on Thursday" at the end of the NATO summit in Washington, according to The New York Times.
Biden has only held 36 press conferences since assuming office, according to an analysis by presidential scholar Martha Joynt Kumar shared by Axios.
This upcoming press availability follows the president's high-profile interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos, where he brushed aside concerns about his age and fitness to continue serving as polls continue to show bad signs for his campaign.
Last week, Biden also gave two local radio interviews, which drew scrutiny after it became clear his campaign had provided a list of suggested questions to the two hosts.
Biden has only held 36 press conferences since assuming office, according to an analysis by presidential scholar Martha Joynt Kumar shared by Axios.
This upcoming press availability follows the president's high-profile interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos, where he brushed aside concerns about his age and fitness to continue serving as polls continue to show bad signs for his campaign.
Last week, Biden also gave two local radio interviews, which drew scrutiny after it became clear his campaign had provided a list of suggested questions to the two hosts.
WURD Host Who Interviewed Biden Parts Ways With Radio Station
Andrea Lawful-Sanders, one of the radio hosts who interviewed the president last week, has left WURD Radio after admitting she used questions prepared by Biden's campaign.
Sara M. Lomax, the president and CEO of WURD Radio, said this "violates our practice of remaining an independent media outlet accountable to our listeners."
"As a result, Ms. Lawful-Sanders and WURD Radio have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately," Lomax wrote in a statement.
Lomax added that Lawful-Sanders booked the interview without consulting WURD management.
Meanwhile, Biden's campaign told The New York Times they will no longer send interviewers suggested questions.
Sara M. Lomax, the president and CEO of WURD Radio, said this "violates our practice of remaining an independent media outlet accountable to our listeners."
"As a result, Ms. Lawful-Sanders and WURD Radio have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately," Lomax wrote in a statement.
Lomax added that Lawful-Sanders booked the interview without consulting WURD management.
Meanwhile, Biden's campaign told The New York Times they will no longer send interviewers suggested questions.
Harris 'Increasing Her Role' Ahead Of November, Campaign Co-Chair Says
Former Rep. Cedric Richmond (La.), a co-chair of Biden's reelection campaign, said Vice President Kamala Harris is "increasing her role" as the November presidential race draws closer.
"She's been a valued partner since day one," Richmond told MSNBC's Katie Phang.
"She's incredibly intelligent and I would just say she has not only publicly stated her support for President Biden, she's privately said that too."
Richmond added that other prominent Democrats, including Govs. Gavin Newsom (Calif.) and Gretchen Whitmer (Mich.), are also supporting Biden.
"Leaders are rallying around this president and vice president because they understand what's at stake," Richmond said.
Watch Richmond's full interview on MSNBC below.
"She's been a valued partner since day one," Richmond told MSNBC's Katie Phang.
"She's incredibly intelligent and I would just say she has not only publicly stated her support for President Biden, she's privately said that too."
Richmond added that other prominent Democrats, including Govs. Gavin Newsom (Calif.) and Gretchen Whitmer (Mich.), are also supporting Biden.
"Leaders are rallying around this president and vice president because they understand what's at stake," Richmond said.
Watch Richmond's full interview on MSNBC below.
'Dark Brandon Is Coming Back,' Biden Jokes
During a campaign event on Sunday in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Biden said, "Dark Brandon is coming back."
The "Brandon" name, which was originally used by Trump's supporters to insult the president, was coopted by Biden's fans to represent his feistier side.
The Hill has more on Biden's joke here.
The "Brandon" name, which was originally used by Trump's supporters to insult the president, was coopted by Biden's fans to represent his feistier side.
The Hill has more on Biden's joke here.
Michael Moore Says Americans 'Can't Un-See' Biden's Disastrous Debate Performance
Filmmaker Michael Moore said while there are people capable of being president in their 80s, Biden’s poor debate performance suggests something other than age.
“Something was wrong that night,” Moore told MSNBC’s Ayman Mohyeldin. “We all saw it. We can’t un-see it."
Read more on his comments below.
“Something was wrong that night,” Moore told MSNBC’s Ayman Mohyeldin. “We all saw it. We can’t un-see it."
Read more on his comments below.
Democrats Lay Out 'Uplifting Path' To Replace Biden And It Involves Taylor Swift
Two Democrats reportedly laid out a plan to engage voters if Biden withdraws his candidacy, and it involves Taylor Swift.
Read more details below.
Read more details below.
Key Moment
Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Senate Democrats' Meeting To Discuss Biden Support Canceled
A meeting of Democratic senators, set to discuss Biden's candidacy, will no longer take place, Axios reported Sunday.
The meeting was reportedly planned by Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), but was canceled after details of the call were leaked, making a private discussion impossible, according to Axios.
The meeting was reportedly planned by Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), but was canceled after details of the call were leaked, making a private discussion impossible, according to Axios.
(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Biden Speaks At Philly Church As Critics Cast Doubt On Campaign
Biden spoke at a Black mega-church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Sunday.
"We're all imperfect beings," Biden said at Mount Airy Church of God in Christ, ABC News reported.
"We don't know where or what faith will deliver us to or when. But we do know is that we can seek a life of light, hope, love and truth. No matter what, we can seek that life. Take all of our experiences and give everything we have to work together, because when we do, you can't stop us."
Biden's speech reportedly appeared scripted, brief and occasionally jumbled, according to The New York Times.
“I know I’m going to be inclined to go on longer than I should here, so I’m not going to,” Biden said, according to the Times.
Later in the day in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, when asked whether the Democratic party was still supporting, Biden replied "yes."
"We're all imperfect beings," Biden said at Mount Airy Church of God in Christ, ABC News reported.
"We don't know where or what faith will deliver us to or when. But we do know is that we can seek a life of light, hope, love and truth. No matter what, we can seek that life. Take all of our experiences and give everything we have to work together, because when we do, you can't stop us."
Biden's speech reportedly appeared scripted, brief and occasionally jumbled, according to The New York Times.
“I know I’m going to be inclined to go on longer than I should here, so I’m not going to,” Biden said, according to the Times.
Later in the day in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, when asked whether the Democratic party was still supporting, Biden replied "yes."
Key Moment
Biden Fields Calls To Drop Out. Here's What Happened Over The Weekend.
- More than a week after the June 27 presidential debate, nearly a dozen Democratic members of Congress have called on Biden to stand down as the party’s presidential nominee. At least five sitting House Democrats have done so publicly, including Lloyd Doggett of Texas, Raúl Grijalva of Arizona, Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, Mike Quigley of Illinois and Angie Craig of Minnesota.
- Senior Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) did so in a private House leadership phone call with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Sunday.
- Likewise, an unnamed White House official who worked with Biden during his presidency, vice presidency and his 2020 campaign told The New York Times on Saturday that Biden shouldn’t seek re-election.
- Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) on Sunday said he believes that VP Harris would be able to “overwhelmingly” defeat Trump and argued that the presidential race is only so close because of Biden’s age. He also said that both candidates should take cognitive tests.
- Biden has doubled down on his refusal to pass the baton to another nominee multiple times since Friday, including while campaigning in Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday and in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
- In an interview on Friday with ABC News, Biden argued that he was “the most qualified person to beat” Trump and that he would only step down if “Lord Almighty comes down and tells me [President Biden] not to run.”
- Similar to the Sunday House leadership call with Jeffries, The Washington Post reported that Virginia Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) was set to have a call with Democratic senators to discuss asking Biden to drop out of the race this week. However, Axios reported Sunday that the call was cancelled due to privacy concerns.
- Biden is set to hold a news conference on Thursday, Scripps News' Jacob Gardenswartz reported.
Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images
Several Senior Dem Reps Agreed On Private Call That Biden Should Step Down: Reports
Senior Democratic Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) agreed in a leadership call on Sunday that Biden should end his reelection bid, according to multiple reports.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) held the call to hear out senior leadership, but did not provide his stance, CNN reported.
Morelle said that Biden can’t win, according to a post on X, formerly called Twitter, by John Bresnahan, co-founder of Punchbowl News.
An aide for Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) said the congressman, who was also reportedly on the call, stands with Biden but would still support Vice President Kamala Harris if she were to run in his place, Bresnahan reported.
“He’s clearly very very fragile. Fragile physically although his handshake is very firm. Also really has trouble putting two sentences together,” Beyer said, according to Bresnahan.
“My perfect world is Joe — in deciding after talking to Leader Jeffries, Majority Leader Schumer, others — steps aside now, let Kamala run as the incumbent, which I think makes her even stronger. With that, I’m a team player. I’ll do whatever the team wants,” he continued.
By contrast, Democratic Reps. Maxine Waters and Bobby Scott backed Biden, CNN reported.
Punchbowl News also reported that, along with Beyer, several other representatives agreed that Harris should be the nominee instead.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) held the call to hear out senior leadership, but did not provide his stance, CNN reported.
Morelle said that Biden can’t win, according to a post on X, formerly called Twitter, by John Bresnahan, co-founder of Punchbowl News.
An aide for Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) said the congressman, who was also reportedly on the call, stands with Biden but would still support Vice President Kamala Harris if she were to run in his place, Bresnahan reported.
“He’s clearly very very fragile. Fragile physically although his handshake is very firm. Also really has trouble putting two sentences together,” Beyer said, according to Bresnahan.
“My perfect world is Joe — in deciding after talking to Leader Jeffries, Majority Leader Schumer, others — steps aside now, let Kamala run as the incumbent, which I think makes her even stronger. With that, I’m a team player. I’ll do whatever the team wants,” he continued.
By contrast, Democratic Reps. Maxine Waters and Bobby Scott backed Biden, CNN reported.
Punchbowl News also reported that, along with Beyer, several other representatives agreed that Harris should be the nominee instead.
Jen Psaki Says The 'Clock Is Ticking' On Biden's Decision To Stay In The Race
During Sunday's episode of "Inside with Jen Psaki," the former White House press secretary warned that Democrats have to act soon if they're hoping for a change at the top of the 2024 presidential ticket.
In her opening monologue, Psaki told viewers that worries about President Joe Biden's ability to triumph over Donald Trump this November haven't waned in the weeks since the first presidential debate and that the "clock is ticking" if the party wants to find "a different path forward."
"The questions I know I’m getting from text messages from friends, from family are twofold: What’s going to happen and what is the best path forward?" Psaki said. "And I’m not going to sit here this afternoon and tell you I know the answer to either question."
Citing a senior White House official's concerns reported in a piece for The New York Times, she said, "It’s basically an indication that even longtime loyalists may have serious doubts about his path forward."
Psaki also reacted to the president's Friday interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, saying, "I would say it went just OK for the president."
"When the interview ended, it left us all in this sort of purgatory for the moment," she continued. "It was better than debate, not a home run at all."
In her opening monologue, Psaki told viewers that worries about President Joe Biden's ability to triumph over Donald Trump this November haven't waned in the weeks since the first presidential debate and that the "clock is ticking" if the party wants to find "a different path forward."
"The questions I know I’m getting from text messages from friends, from family are twofold: What’s going to happen and what is the best path forward?" Psaki said. "And I’m not going to sit here this afternoon and tell you I know the answer to either question."
Citing a senior White House official's concerns reported in a piece for The New York Times, she said, "It’s basically an indication that even longtime loyalists may have serious doubts about his path forward."
Psaki also reacted to the president's Friday interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, saying, "I would say it went just OK for the president."
"When the interview ended, it left us all in this sort of purgatory for the moment," she continued. "It was better than debate, not a home run at all."
Schiff Wonders If It's Time For Biden To 'Pass The Torch'
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) thinks President Joe Biden's age is the only reason he isn't "mopping the floor" with Donald Trump.
The California Democrat added to the chorus of concerns around Biden's ability to win the 2024 presidential election while appearing on "Meet the Press" on Sunday, where he told host Kristen Welker that given Trump's "terrible record," the race should never have gotten this close.
"Joe Biden's running against a criminal," Schiff said. "It should not be even close, and there's only one reason it is close, and that's the president's age."
Pointing to the president's clumsy debate night performance last month, Schiff told Welker that Biden's demeanor "rightfully" raised questions about whether he "has the vigor" to defeat his Republican rival.
"This is not just about whether he gave it the best college try, but rather whether he made the right decision to run or pass the torch," he said. "That is the most important decision for him to make right now."
Elsewhere in the interview, the congressman told Welker he thinks Democrats would be in good hands if Vice President Kamala Harris became the party's candidate, saying she has "the experience, the judgment, the leadership ability to be an extraordinary president."
"She very well could win overwhelmingly," he added.
Still, Schiff said the choice should be up to Biden, adding, "He should take a moment to make the best informed judgment. And if the judgment is run, then run hard and beat that SOB."
The California Democrat added to the chorus of concerns around Biden's ability to win the 2024 presidential election while appearing on "Meet the Press" on Sunday, where he told host Kristen Welker that given Trump's "terrible record," the race should never have gotten this close.
"Joe Biden's running against a criminal," Schiff said. "It should not be even close, and there's only one reason it is close, and that's the president's age."
Pointing to the president's clumsy debate night performance last month, Schiff told Welker that Biden's demeanor "rightfully" raised questions about whether he "has the vigor" to defeat his Republican rival.
"This is not just about whether he gave it the best college try, but rather whether he made the right decision to run or pass the torch," he said. "That is the most important decision for him to make right now."
Elsewhere in the interview, the congressman told Welker he thinks Democrats would be in good hands if Vice President Kamala Harris became the party's candidate, saying she has "the experience, the judgment, the leadership ability to be an extraordinary president."
"She very well could win overwhelmingly," he added.
Still, Schiff said the choice should be up to Biden, adding, "He should take a moment to make the best informed judgment. And if the judgment is run, then run hard and beat that SOB."
Sen. Chris Murphy Says Joe Biden Needs To Answer Voters' Questions To Restore Faith
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said Sunday on CNN that President Joe Biden could "absolutely" beat former President Donald Trump in the November election — but only if Biden restores voters' confidence first.
"I think the president needs to answer those questions that voters have," Murphy said. "If he does that this week, I think he will be in a very good position, and we can get back to what this campaign needs to be: a contrast between Joe Biden, a decent, honorable man of character, and Donald Trump, a pathological liar, who has advertised that he wants to endorse and mainstream political violence in this country."
"But again, if the president is unwilling to do the things necessary to restore voters' confidence or answer voters' questions, then of course he has a decision to make about what the best path forward is for the country," he continued. "But if he answers those questions this week, there's no doubt that he can win this race."
"I think the president needs to answer those questions that voters have," Murphy said. "If he does that this week, I think he will be in a very good position, and we can get back to what this campaign needs to be: a contrast between Joe Biden, a decent, honorable man of character, and Donald Trump, a pathological liar, who has advertised that he wants to endorse and mainstream political violence in this country."
"But again, if the president is unwilling to do the things necessary to restore voters' confidence or answer voters' questions, then of course he has a decision to make about what the best path forward is for the country," he continued. "But if he answers those questions this week, there's no doubt that he can win this race."
CNN’s David Axelrod Calls Joe Biden’s Interview ‘Denial Delusion Defiance’
CNN senior political commentator David Axelrod said that Biden’s interview was unsuccessful in quelling the panic that has overcome Democrats following his weak debate performance, and that the president has chosen to be in denial.
“Only 'the Lord Almighty' could persuade him to give up the race, the president said, as a growing chorus of Democrats, fearful of an electoral disaster, call for him to step aside,” he wrote. “Denial. Delusion. Defiance.”
Read Axelrod’s full op-ed for CNN here.
“Only 'the Lord Almighty' could persuade him to give up the race, the president said, as a growing chorus of Democrats, fearful of an electoral disaster, call for him to step aside,” he wrote. “Denial. Delusion. Defiance.”
Read Axelrod’s full op-ed for CNN here.
Kamala Harris Focuses On Trump, Not Biden, At Black Media Event
In her first major public appearance since Biden’s weak debate performance, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Caroline Wanga, the president and chief executive of Essence, onstage at an event hosted by the Black-focused magazine.
Harris did not specifically mention Biden’s debate performance or weigh in on the growing number of Democrats calling for him to drop out of the race, but she highlighted recent White House accomplishments related to Black maternal health, student debt and housing, and warned the audience of the grim consequences of another Trump presidency.
Harris did not specifically mention Biden’s debate performance or weigh in on the growing number of Democrats calling for him to drop out of the race, but she highlighted recent White House accomplishments related to Black maternal health, student debt and housing, and warned the audience of the grim consequences of another Trump presidency.
Senior White House Official Says Biden Shouldn’t Run: NYT
A senior White House official told The New York Times on Saturday that they no longer believe President Joe Biden should run for reelection and that he doesn’t have what it takes to beat Donald Trump.
The official, who has been watching Biden in both public and private settings as well as during travel, said the president has "shown more signs of his age in recent months, including speaking more slowly, haltingly and quietly, and has appeared more fatigued in private."
Several lawmakers have also expressed concerns about Biden’s age and ability to win, especially following his shaky debate performance.
The official, who has been watching Biden in both public and private settings as well as during travel, said the president has "shown more signs of his age in recent months, including speaking more slowly, haltingly and quietly, and has appeared more fatigued in private."
Several lawmakers have also expressed concerns about Biden’s age and ability to win, especially following his shaky debate performance.
Biden Campaign Gave Questions To Radio Hosts Before Interviews
The Biden campaign sent questions in ahead of time to a pair of radio hosts before their interviews with Joe Biden earlier this week, the hosts told CNN on Saturday.
CNN anchor Victor Blackwell asked Earl Ingram, who hosts a Milwaukee talk show, and Andrea Lawful-Sanders, who hosts WURD's "The Source" in Philadelphia, whether they were given questions in advance by the White House, noting how similar the two shows' interviews with the president were.
“The questions were sent to me for approval. I approved of them,” Lawful-Sanders said.
"I got several questions, eight of them," she continued. "And the four that were chosen were the ones that I approved.”
Separately, Ingram confirmed to ABC News that he had also gotten questions for Biden in advance.
Lauren Hitt, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign, defended the move. She told the Washington Post, “It’s not at all an uncommon practice for interviewees to share topics they would prefer.”
According to the Post, Trump’s campaign made a similar move last month when it asked a reporter what questions he would ask. The Trump campaign then canceled the interview.
Biden’s campaign has faced criticism over its heavy control over the president’s public appearances, especially following the candidate's concerning debate performance last week. His poor showing has prompted members of his own party to question his ability to run an effective campaign against Trump.
CNN anchor Victor Blackwell asked Earl Ingram, who hosts a Milwaukee talk show, and Andrea Lawful-Sanders, who hosts WURD's "The Source" in Philadelphia, whether they were given questions in advance by the White House, noting how similar the two shows' interviews with the president were.
“The questions were sent to me for approval. I approved of them,” Lawful-Sanders said.
"I got several questions, eight of them," she continued. "And the four that were chosen were the ones that I approved.”
Separately, Ingram confirmed to ABC News that he had also gotten questions for Biden in advance.
Lauren Hitt, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign, defended the move. She told the Washington Post, “It’s not at all an uncommon practice for interviewees to share topics they would prefer.”
According to the Post, Trump’s campaign made a similar move last month when it asked a reporter what questions he would ask. The Trump campaign then canceled the interview.
Biden’s campaign has faced criticism over its heavy control over the president’s public appearances, especially following the candidate's concerning debate performance last week. His poor showing has prompted members of his own party to question his ability to run an effective campaign against Trump.
Donald Trump Sarcastically Supports Joe Biden Continuing His Campaign
In a Truth Social post, Trump said that Biden should “continue his campaign of American Destruction.”
“Crooked Joe Biden should ignore his many critics and move forward, with alacrity and strength, with his powerful and far reaching campaign. He should be sharp, precise, and energetic, just like he was in The Debate, in selling his policies…” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump’s comments arrive a day after Biden’s first televised interview since his rocky debate performance and amid a growing number of lawmakers who have expressed doubts about Biden’s bid for re-election, with some publicly calling for him to drop out.
“Crooked Joe Biden should ignore his many critics and move forward, with alacrity and strength, with his powerful and far reaching campaign. He should be sharp, precise, and energetic, just like he was in The Debate, in selling his policies…” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump’s comments arrive a day after Biden’s first televised interview since his rocky debate performance and amid a growing number of lawmakers who have expressed doubts about Biden’s bid for re-election, with some publicly calling for him to drop out.
Another Democratic Rep. Calls For Biden To Bow Out
Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) on Saturday became the fifth Democratic member of Congress to call on Joe Biden to drop out of the race following his disastrous performance in last week’s presidential debate against Donald Trump.
In a lengthy statement on social media, Craig extolled Biden’s “decades of service to our nation” and lauded the president’s legislative accomplishments, but noted that his failure to convince voters about his abilities forebodes a second Trump term.
“This is not a decision I’ve come to lightly, but there is simply too much at stake to risk a second Donald Trump presidency,” wrote Craig. “That’s why I respectfully call on President Biden to step aside as the Democratic nominee for a second term as President and allow for a new generation of leaders to step forward.”
Craig has joined a growing chorus of Democratic members of Congress to call on Biden to resign: Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Rep. Raúl Grijalva, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) and Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) have publicly called on the president to step down.
“If we truly believe that Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans must be stopped, there is only a small window left to make sure we have a candidate best equipped to make the case and win,” wrote Craig. “This future of our country is bigger than any one of us. It’s up to the President from here.”
Read the full statement here.
In a lengthy statement on social media, Craig extolled Biden’s “decades of service to our nation” and lauded the president’s legislative accomplishments, but noted that his failure to convince voters about his abilities forebodes a second Trump term.
“This is not a decision I’ve come to lightly, but there is simply too much at stake to risk a second Donald Trump presidency,” wrote Craig. “That’s why I respectfully call on President Biden to step aside as the Democratic nominee for a second term as President and allow for a new generation of leaders to step forward.”
Craig has joined a growing chorus of Democratic members of Congress to call on Biden to resign: Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Rep. Raúl Grijalva, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) and Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) have publicly called on the president to step down.
“If we truly believe that Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans must be stopped, there is only a small window left to make sure we have a candidate best equipped to make the case and win,” wrote Craig. “This future of our country is bigger than any one of us. It’s up to the President from here.”
Read the full statement here.
Biden Dismisses Polls Showing He's Trailing Trump: 'It's A Toss-Up'
President Joe Biden said in a highly anticipated Friday interview that he doesn’t believe he has fallen behind in the 2024 campaign, calling the race a “toss-up” despite a series of recent polls that have shown him trailing Donald Trump by 2 to 6 percentage points nationally.
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In New Interview, Biden Defiantly Downplays Mounting Political Crisis
In his first sit-down interview since the June 27 debate, Biden told ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos that he didn’t believe the polling on his standing in the campaign tells the whole story, and he denied that his allies in the Democratic Party have called for him to step down.
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Democratic Lawmakers Appear To Have Mixed Opinions About Joe Biden’s Interview
Several House Democrats have come forward with their doubts about Biden’s bid for re-election this week, and after his first televised interview since his weak debate performance, opinions seem to be mixed on his ability to run for re-election.
So far, only a handful of Democrats have publicly voiced their support for Biden after the interview.
“President Biden has delivered remarkable progress for the American people, and he has plans to do even more in his next term," Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) wrote in a social media post. “I can’t wait to help him continue to take the fight to Trump and win in November.”
Meanwhile, other lawmakers have shared that they still have reservations about Biden’s bid for re-election or are not convinced he can beat Donald Trump.
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), for example, believes Biden’s performance tonight was strong, but that he wanted to see more.
“Biden did a very good job in the 22-min interview with Stephanopoulos. But most of the questions were about Biden’s capabilities. We need an extended live interview that focuses on where Biden plans to lead us over the next 4 years.” Sherman wrote on X.
So far, only a handful of Democrats have publicly voiced their support for Biden after the interview.
“President Biden has delivered remarkable progress for the American people, and he has plans to do even more in his next term," Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) wrote in a social media post. “I can’t wait to help him continue to take the fight to Trump and win in November.”
Meanwhile, other lawmakers have shared that they still have reservations about Biden’s bid for re-election or are not convinced he can beat Donald Trump.
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), for example, believes Biden’s performance tonight was strong, but that he wanted to see more.
“Biden did a very good job in the 22-min interview with Stephanopoulos. But most of the questions were about Biden’s capabilities. We need an extended live interview that focuses on where Biden plans to lead us over the next 4 years.” Sherman wrote on X.
California Democratic Reps. Praise Biden Interview
California Democrat Rep. Nanette Barragán said she believes Biden performed well tonight in the ABC News interview, which was his first televised interview since his weak debate performance last week.
“Sounds like everyone is looking for concerns,” she told The New York Times. “I don’t see them. He’s quick to respond. He’s on point. He clearly understands the questions and the topics, and responds accordingly.”
Rep. Robert Garcia, another California Democrat, also voiced his support for Biden after the interview and declared he would stand by him in his bid for re-election.“I’m proud to stand with the most progressive and productive President of the modern era,” Garcia wrote on X.
“Sounds like everyone is looking for concerns,” she told The New York Times. “I don’t see them. He’s quick to respond. He’s on point. He clearly understands the questions and the topics, and responds accordingly.”
Rep. Robert Garcia, another California Democrat, also voiced his support for Biden after the interview and declared he would stand by him in his bid for re-election.“I’m proud to stand with the most progressive and productive President of the modern era,” Garcia wrote on X.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett Firm In His Belief That Biden Should Drop Out
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) was the first House Democrat to call on Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race, and the president’s ABC News interview tonight wasn’t enough to change his mind.
“The need for him to step aside is more urgent tonight than when I first called for it on Tuesday.” Doggett said after the ABC News interview, according to The New York Times.
“We may not be the Lord Almighty, [but] Mr. President, the risk of a Trump presidency, to destroy our democracy, to take over the government and never give it back again, is so great that we have to have our strongest candidate.”
“The need for him to step aside is more urgent tonight than when I first called for it on Tuesday.” Doggett said after the ABC News interview, according to The New York Times.
“We may not be the Lord Almighty, [but] Mr. President, the risk of a Trump presidency, to destroy our democracy, to take over the government and never give it back again, is so great that we have to have our strongest candidate.”
Julián Castro: Biden Was ‘Steadier’ But ‘In Denial’ During ABC Interview
During an interview with MSNBC on Friday evening, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julián Castro said that Biden appeared to be “steadier” during a just-aired interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos, as well as during a campaign rally earlier today.
But Castro added that the president is in "denial" about the decline people are seeing in him and in his falling poll numbers, which could indicate faltering support.
“I think he did better tonight, but I think he's got a long way to go to show folks — to give people confidence that he can actually beat Donald Trump,” Castro told Ali Velshi.
But Castro added that the president is in "denial" about the decline people are seeing in him and in his falling poll numbers, which could indicate faltering support.
“I think he did better tonight, but I think he's got a long way to go to show folks — to give people confidence that he can actually beat Donald Trump,” Castro told Ali Velshi.
Sen. John Fetterman Echoes His Support For Joe Biden
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) is continuing to give vocal support for Biden following his rocky debate performance last week, and has adamantly defended the president against lawmakers who have called for him to drop out of the race.
In a post on X after Biden’s televised interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, Fetterman doubled down on his support for Biden.
“Democrats need to get a spine or grow a set — one or the other,” he wrote. “Joe Biden is our guy.”
In a post on X after Biden’s televised interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, Fetterman doubled down on his support for Biden.
“Democrats need to get a spine or grow a set — one or the other,” he wrote. “Joe Biden is our guy.”
ABC Also Offered Similar Interview To Donald Trump
Stephanopoulos said ABC also offered a similar interview to Trump, but the former president declined.
Joe Biden Says How He'll Feel If He Stays In The Race And Trump Still Wins
Stephanopoulos closed the interview by asking Biden how he'd feel in January "if you stay in and Trump is elected and everything you're warning about comes to pass."
"I'll feel as long as I gave it my all and I did as good a job as I know how to do, that's what this is about," Biden responded.
"I'll feel as long as I gave it my all and I did as good a job as I know how to do, that's what this is about," Biden responded.
Joe Biden Keeps Saying 2022 Polls Were Wrong — But That’s Not True
In an effort to dismiss concerns about his current dismal poll numbers, Biden told reporters earlier today that the media got it "wrong" in the 2022 election.
He repeated that sentiment during his interview with George Stephanopoulos.
Similar rejections of the 2022 polls have been made by both Democrats, who say their party’s support was underestimated in the polls, and Republicans, who say the poll was biased against their party.
But the president was actually incorrect. According to FiveThirtyEight, the 2022 polls were the most accurate than in any cycle since at least 1998, with almost no bias toward either party.
He repeated that sentiment during his interview with George Stephanopoulos.
Similar rejections of the 2022 polls have been made by both Democrats, who say their party’s support was underestimated in the polls, and Republicans, who say the poll was biased against their party.
But the president was actually incorrect. According to FiveThirtyEight, the 2022 polls were the most accurate than in any cycle since at least 1998, with almost no bias toward either party.
Joe Biden Says Only 'Lord Almighty' Will Get Him To Drop Out
"If you can be convinced that you cannot defeat Donald Trump, will you stand down?" Stephanopoulos asked.
"Well depends if the Lord Almighty comes down and tells me that, I might do that," Biden said.
Stephanopoulos pointed to the growing chorus of Democrats who are at least questioning his ability to run, if not outright calling for him to drop out. He specifically asked about Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) reportedly seeking to gather a group of Senate Democrats to call on Biden to step aside.
"Mark is a good man," Biden said. "He also tried to get the nomination too."
Warner was reportedly considering running for president in 2008, but ultimately never mounted a formal bid for the Democratic nomination.
Stephanopoulos asked Biden what he would do if Democratic leaders like Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries or Nancy Pelsoi "expressed worries."
"I've spoken to all of them in detail," Biden said. "Every one of them. They all said I should stay in the race."
He dismissed Stephanopoulos' questions as "hypothetical."
"If the Lord Almighty came down and said 'Joe, get out of the race,' I'd get out of the race. The lord almighty's not coming down."
"Well depends if the Lord Almighty comes down and tells me that, I might do that," Biden said.
Stephanopoulos pointed to the growing chorus of Democrats who are at least questioning his ability to run, if not outright calling for him to drop out. He specifically asked about Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) reportedly seeking to gather a group of Senate Democrats to call on Biden to step aside.
"Mark is a good man," Biden said. "He also tried to get the nomination too."
Warner was reportedly considering running for president in 2008, but ultimately never mounted a formal bid for the Democratic nomination.
Stephanopoulos asked Biden what he would do if Democratic leaders like Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries or Nancy Pelsoi "expressed worries."
"I've spoken to all of them in detail," Biden said. "Every one of them. They all said I should stay in the race."
He dismissed Stephanopoulos' questions as "hypothetical."
"If the Lord Almighty came down and said 'Joe, get out of the race,' I'd get out of the race. The lord almighty's not coming down."
Biden Says He's The 'Most Qualified' To Beat Trump
When asked how he'd respond to critics to say he's acting like Trump by staying in the race for his own personal interest, Biden said he doesn't think "those critics know what they're talking about.
"They're just wrong. Look, Trump is a pathological liar," Biden said, before listing some of the former president's false statements.
"Have you convinced yourself that only you can beat him?" Stephanopoulos asked.
"I convinced myself of two things: I'm the most qualified person to beat him, and I know how to get things done," Biden said.
"They're just wrong. Look, Trump is a pathological liar," Biden said, before listing some of the former president's false statements.
"Have you convinced yourself that only you can beat him?" Stephanopoulos asked.
"I convinced myself of two things: I'm the most qualified person to beat him, and I know how to get things done," Biden said.
Biden Won't Commit To Cognitive Testing During ABC Interview
Stephanopolous pressed Biden on the issue of his physical and mental health.
“Are you more frail?” asked Stephanopolous.
“No," Biden said, pointing to his busy schedule.
Stephanopolous asked what the president's doctor said when Biden spoke to him after the debate.
"He just looked at me, and said, 'You're exhausted," Biden responded.
Stephanopolous then asked whether Biden had a cognitive or neurological assessment.
“No. No one said I had to. They said I’m good," Biden said.
When pressed on the issue, Biden said "I have a neurological test every single day."
"Every day," he said, pointing to the daily tasks he does as president such as calls with foreign leaders.. "Everything I do."
"Would you be willing to have the independent medical evaluation?" asked Stephanopoulos.
Biden wouldn't commit to that, instead saying "There’s a lot of time left in this campaign."
“Are you more frail?” asked Stephanopolous.
“No," Biden said, pointing to his busy schedule.
Stephanopolous asked what the president's doctor said when Biden spoke to him after the debate.
"He just looked at me, and said, 'You're exhausted," Biden responded.
Stephanopolous then asked whether Biden had a cognitive or neurological assessment.
“No. No one said I had to. They said I’m good," Biden said.
When pressed on the issue, Biden said "I have a neurological test every single day."
"Every day," he said, pointing to the daily tasks he does as president such as calls with foreign leaders.. "Everything I do."
"Would you be willing to have the independent medical evaluation?" asked Stephanopoulos.
Biden wouldn't commit to that, instead saying "There’s a lot of time left in this campaign."
Biden In ABC Interview: Trump 'Shouting' During Debate Was Distracting
Biden’s interview with ABC is airing now.
Stephanopolous asked how “quickly” Biden realized he was having a bad debate. The president claimed that he got distracted by being able to hear Trump “shouting” after his microphone was turned off.
“I let it distract me,” he said. “I’m not blaming them.”
Stephanopolous asked how “quickly” Biden realized he was having a bad debate. The president claimed that he got distracted by being able to hear Trump “shouting” after his microphone was turned off.
“I let it distract me,” he said. “I’m not blaming them.”
Calls Are Growing For Joe Biden To Step Aside. Here’s Where Things Stand.
- As of Friday evening, at least five sitting House Democrats have called on Biden to step aside as the Democratic presidential nominee: Lloyd Doggett of Texas, Raúl Grijalva of Arizona, Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, Mike Quigley of Illinois and Angie Craig of Minnesota.
- While no Democratic senators have publicly asked for Biden to drop out of the race, reports circulated Friday indicating Virginia Sen. Mark Warner is looking to meet with his Democratic colleagues in the Senate to possibly collectively call for Biden to end his campaign.
- Maura Healey, Massachusetts’ Democratic governor, stopped short of calling for Biden to drop out, but did say Biden should “carefully evaluate whether he remains our best hope to defeat Donald Trump.”
- Biden, meanwhile, remains defiant, telling reporters in Wisconsin he was “completely” ruling out leaving the race and vowing at a rally that he’d beat Trump.
- Biden also spoke about the debate in a highly anticipated interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. He said he had a “bad night,” was sick and “exhausted” but did not think there was any “indication of any serious condition.”
House Democrats Will Meet This Weekend To Discuss Joe Biden’s Candidacy: Report
As more and more lawmakers come forward with doubts and opposition to Biden’s run for reelection, House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has scheduled a virtual meeting for his Sunday with senior House Democrats to discuss the president’s candidacy and how to move forward, The New York Times reported.
Read More On The First Clip From Biden's ABC Interview
In his first sit-down interview since the debate, Biden tried to reassure voters his disastrous performance was a “bad episode” rather than a pattern of advanced aging that interferes with his ability to campaign and govern.
Read more:
Read more:
AP
Another House Democrat Calls For Joe Biden To Drop Out
Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) is joining the ranks of House Democrats calling for Biden to step aside after his debate performance.
"Mr. President, your legacy is set," Quigley said in an interview with MSNBC's Chris Hayes on Friday. "We owe you the greatest debt of gratitude. The only thing that you can do now to cement that for all time and prevent utter catastrophe is to step down and let someone else do this. Because I think, day one, we're back in a dog fight."
"Mr. President, your legacy is set," Quigley said in an interview with MSNBC's Chris Hayes on Friday. "We owe you the greatest debt of gratitude. The only thing that you can do now to cement that for all time and prevent utter catastrophe is to step down and let someone else do this. Because I think, day one, we're back in a dog fight."
Biden Asked In ABC Interview If ‘Bad’ Debate Performance Was Because Of A Serious Condition
ABC released the first clip from anchor George Stephanopoulos's Friday interview with Biden.
Stephanopoulos asked if Biden's debate performance was a "bad episode," or an indication of something more serious.
“This was a bad episode," Biden responded. "No indication of any serious condition. I was exhausted. I didn’t listen to my instincts in terms of preparing. And I had a bad night.”
Pointing out that Biden had returned from a foreign trip at least 11 days before the debate, Stephanopoulos then asked why that wasn't enough time to rest up.
"I was sick," Biden said, noting he took a COVID-19 test. "I was feeling terrible."
Stephanopoulos then asked Biden if he watched the debate later.
"I don't think I did, no," Biden responded.
"Did you know how badly it was going?" Stephanopoulos asked.
Biden started to answer by discussing his preparation while adding his performance was "nobody's fault but mine," before pivoting to pointing out Trump's many false statements during the debate.
"But it seemed like you were having trouble from the first question in, even before [Trump] spoke," Stephanopoulos interjected.
"Well I just had a bad night," Biden said.
Stephanopoulos asked if Biden's debate performance was a "bad episode," or an indication of something more serious.
“This was a bad episode," Biden responded. "No indication of any serious condition. I was exhausted. I didn’t listen to my instincts in terms of preparing. And I had a bad night.”
Pointing out that Biden had returned from a foreign trip at least 11 days before the debate, Stephanopoulos then asked why that wasn't enough time to rest up.
"I was sick," Biden said, noting he took a COVID-19 test. "I was feeling terrible."
Stephanopoulos then asked Biden if he watched the debate later.
"I don't think I did, no," Biden responded.
"Did you know how badly it was going?" Stephanopoulos asked.
Biden started to answer by discussing his preparation while adding his performance was "nobody's fault but mine," before pivoting to pointing out Trump's many false statements during the debate.
"But it seemed like you were having trouble from the first question in, even before [Trump] spoke," Stephanopoulos interjected.
"Well I just had a bad night," Biden said.
AP Images
Biden On Leaving The Race: ‘Completely Ruling That Out’
Speaking to reporters in Wisconsin on Friday, Biden again committed to stay in the presidential race.
“Are you dropping out of the race or are you completely ruling that out?” a reporter asked.
“Completely ruling that out,” Biden said.
Biden also took aim at reporters, saying they’ve “been wrong about everything so far.”
“You were wrong about 2020, you were wrong about 2022,” Biden said. “We were going to get wiped out, remember the ‘red wave?’”
Biden added that he’s spoken to “at least 20” members of Congress, who he said have all encouraged him to stay in the race.
When asked about the Washington Post report that Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) is gathering a group of his Senate colleagues to press Biden to drop out, Biden said Warner "is the only one considering that.
"No one else has called on me to do that," Biden said.
“Are you dropping out of the race or are you completely ruling that out?” a reporter asked.
“Completely ruling that out,” Biden said.
Biden also took aim at reporters, saying they’ve “been wrong about everything so far.”
“You were wrong about 2020, you were wrong about 2022,” Biden said. “We were going to get wiped out, remember the ‘red wave?’”
Biden added that he’s spoken to “at least 20” members of Congress, who he said have all encouraged him to stay in the race.
When asked about the Washington Post report that Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) is gathering a group of his Senate colleagues to press Biden to drop out, Biden said Warner "is the only one considering that.
"No one else has called on me to do that," Biden said.
Biden Expected To Hold News Conference Next Week
A senior official in the Biden administration confirmed that the president will hold a news conference Thursday afternoon.
https://x.com/reporterjacobg/status/1809322114018865365
https://x.com/reporterjacobg/status/1809322114018865365
Joe Biden: You Can’t Be Pro-Insurrectionist And Pro-America
In a fiery rebuke of Trump during his Wisconsin rally, Biden laid out the differences between him and his opponent.
"I want to protect social security and Medicare, he wants to cut social security and Medicare so he can cut more taxes for the wealthy," Biden said, adding that Trump has also said he plans to "do nothing about guns."
"And he means it," Biden said.
Biden then turned his attention to the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
"I want Jan. 6 insurrections to serve their full prison term, Trump wants to pardon them," Biden said. “Folks, you can’t be pro-insurrectionist and pro-America at the same time.”
Biden concluded his remarks in Wisconsin after speaking for about 20 minutes.
"I want to protect social security and Medicare, he wants to cut social security and Medicare so he can cut more taxes for the wealthy," Biden said, adding that Trump has also said he plans to "do nothing about guns."
"And he means it," Biden said.
Biden then turned his attention to the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
"I want Jan. 6 insurrections to serve their full prison term, Trump wants to pardon them," Biden said. “Folks, you can’t be pro-insurrectionist and pro-America at the same time.”
Biden concluded his remarks in Wisconsin after speaking for about 20 minutes.
WaPo Report: Democratic Senator Trying To Rally Colleagues To Speak Up About Biden
The Washington Post reports that Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) is trying to get a group of his Senate colleagues together to urge Biden to step aside.
Read more here.
Read more here.
Biden Takes Shot At Trump’s Own Habit Of Misspeaking
At his Wisconsin rally, Biden playfully pointed out Trump’s own history of misspeaking or getting things flat-out wrong.
“Folks, did you have a good fourth of July?” Biden asked to cheers. “By the way, if you ever wonder whether Trump has it all together, you ever hear how he explained the fourth of July?”
Biden was referring to comments Trump made in 2019 during a July 4 speech in which he falsely claimed there were “airports” during the Revolutionary War.
“Our Army manned the air, it rammed the ramparts, it took over airports, it did everything it had to do,” Trump said in his remarks at the Lincoln Memorial.
Trump later blamed his mistake on the rain, saying it knocked out the teleprompter he was reading from.
“They talk about me misspeaking, airports in 1776?” Biden said at his rally. “It’s true, he is a
‘stable genius,’ this man.”
“Folks, did you have a good fourth of July?” Biden asked to cheers. “By the way, if you ever wonder whether Trump has it all together, you ever hear how he explained the fourth of July?”
Biden was referring to comments Trump made in 2019 during a July 4 speech in which he falsely claimed there were “airports” during the Revolutionary War.
“Our Army manned the air, it rammed the ramparts, it took over airports, it did everything it had to do,” Trump said in his remarks at the Lincoln Memorial.
Trump later blamed his mistake on the rain, saying it knocked out the teleprompter he was reading from.
“They talk about me misspeaking, airports in 1776?” Biden said at his rally. “It’s true, he is a
‘stable genius,’ this man.”
Getty Images
Joe Biden Defiant In Face Of Calls To Drop Out: 'I Am Running'
Speaking at a rally in Madison, Wisconsin, Biden had a clear response to growing calls for him to drop out of the race: "I am running and gonna win again."
"Guess what, they’re trying to push me out of the race," Biden told the crowd. "Well, let me say this as clearly as I can: I’m staying in the race."
"I’ll beat Donald Trump," he said. "I’m not letting one 90 minute debate wipe out three-and-a-half years of work."
He continued: "I and you are not finished yet."
"Guess what, they’re trying to push me out of the race," Biden told the crowd. "Well, let me say this as clearly as I can: I’m staying in the race."
"I’ll beat Donald Trump," he said. "I’m not letting one 90 minute debate wipe out three-and-a-half years of work."
He continued: "I and you are not finished yet."
Billionaires, Executives Ramp Up Pressure On Biden To Drop Out
Bloomberg reports a group of 168 business leaders and billionaires — including Walmart heir Christy Walton, investor Michael Novogratz and ex-NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue — have signed a letter asking Biden to "pass the torch of leadership to the next generation of Democratic leaders by ending your reelection bid."
Read more here.
Read more here.
Massachusetts Governor Says Biden Should 'Carefully Evaluate' Future Of Campaign
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) issued a statement Friday urging Biden to "listen" to voters and "carefully evaluate" whether his campaign is still viable after last week's debate performance.
"President Biden saved our democracy in 2020 and has done an outstanding job over the last. four years. I am deeply grateful for his leadership. And I know he agrees this is the most important election of our lifetimes,” she said.
Healey continued: “The best way forward right now is a decision for the President to make. Over the coming days, I urge him to listen to the American people and carefully evaluate whether he remains our best hope to defeat Donald Trump.”
Healey concluded by saying she'll support efforts to defeat Trump whether or not Biden stays in the race.
“Whatever President Biden decides, I am committed to doing everything in my power to defeat Donald Trump," she said.
"President Biden saved our democracy in 2020 and has done an outstanding job over the last. four years. I am deeply grateful for his leadership. And I know he agrees this is the most important election of our lifetimes,” she said.
Healey continued: “The best way forward right now is a decision for the President to make. Over the coming days, I urge him to listen to the American people and carefully evaluate whether he remains our best hope to defeat Donald Trump.”
Healey concluded by saying she'll support efforts to defeat Trump whether or not Biden stays in the race.
“Whatever President Biden decides, I am committed to doing everything in my power to defeat Donald Trump," she said.
AP Photo/Susan Walsh
White House Press Secretary Seeks To Clarify Confusion About Biden's Recent Medical Exams
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One en route to Biden's rally in Madison, Wisconsin, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded to suggestions she misled reporters about whether or not Biden had received medical attention after the debate. Jean-Pierre said in a Wednesday briefing Biden hadn't received a medical exam since his regular physical in February, while Biden told Democratic governors he had undergone a checkup.
"He did have a short verbal check-in about his cold," Jean-Pierre said Friday. "It wasn't a medical exam or physical. It was a conversation, and his doctor didn't think an exam was necessary."
She also said Biden plans to "make a compelling case" to Americans during his interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos.
"He prepared for this like he did every other interview," Jean-Pierre said. "He's looking forward to it."
"He did have a short verbal check-in about his cold," Jean-Pierre said Friday. "It wasn't a medical exam or physical. It was a conversation, and his doctor didn't think an exam was necessary."
She also said Biden plans to "make a compelling case" to Americans during his interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos.
"He prepared for this like he did every other interview," Jean-Pierre said. "He's looking forward to it."
Sen. John Fetterman Slams Donald Trump In Post About Joe Biden’s Interview
In a post on X, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) took a dig at Trump by sharing his thoughts on what questions should be posed to Biden today during his interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos — his first televised interview since the presidential debate last week.
Getty Images
Another House Democrat Is Calling On Biden To Withdraw From Race
Earlier this week, Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton expressed concerns about Biden’s ability to beat Trump in the 2024 election, but refrained from making definitive comments on whether he should end his campaign or not.
But a few days later, the representative publicly called on the president to drop out of the race.
“President Biden has done enormous service to our country, but now is the time for him to follow in one of our founding father, George Washington’s, footsteps and step aside to let new leaders rise up and run against Donald Trump,” Moulton told the Boston radio station WBUR on Thursday.
A spokesperson confirmed with The New York Times on Friday that Moulton is urging Biden to withdraw from the race.
Moulton is the third sitting House Democrat to publicly call on Biden to step aside.
But a few days later, the representative publicly called on the president to drop out of the race.
“President Biden has done enormous service to our country, but now is the time for him to follow in one of our founding father, George Washington’s, footsteps and step aside to let new leaders rise up and run against Donald Trump,” Moulton told the Boston radio station WBUR on Thursday.
A spokesperson confirmed with The New York Times on Friday that Moulton is urging Biden to withdraw from the race.
Moulton is the third sitting House Democrat to publicly call on Biden to step aside.
AP
Joe Biden Hoping To Bounce Back With Wisconsin Rally, ABC Interview
Biden will speak at a rally in Madison, Wisconsin on Friday as he faces growing calls for him to step aside as the Democratic presidential candidate following last week’s disastrous debate performance.
As part of a media blitz to reassure voters that his age isn’t a detriment, Biden will also sit down with ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos in Wisconsin on Friday for his first television interview since the debate.
In a radio interview on Thursday, Biden admitted he “had a bad night” during the debate.
“I screwed up,” Biden said on “The Earl Ingram Show.” “I made a mistake, but I learned from my father that when you get knocked down you just get back up, get back up. We’re going to win this election.”
Biden’s interview with Stephanopoulos will air at 8 p.m. EDT.
As part of a media blitz to reassure voters that his age isn’t a detriment, Biden will also sit down with ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos in Wisconsin on Friday for his first television interview since the debate.
In a radio interview on Thursday, Biden admitted he “had a bad night” during the debate.
“I screwed up,” Biden said on “The Earl Ingram Show.” “I made a mistake, but I learned from my father that when you get knocked down you just get back up, get back up. We’re going to win this election.”
Biden’s interview with Stephanopoulos will air at 8 p.m. EDT.
Donald Trump Claims He Knows 'Nothing' About Project 2025
Trump took to Truth Social on Friday to attempt to distance himself from Project 2025, the conservative plan to effectively dismantle the federal government and reshape it to strengthen the power of the presidency.
"I know nothing about Project 2025," Trump wrote of the effort, which has been led by the Heritage Foundation and some former Trump administration officials. "I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they’re saying and some of the things they’re saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them."
The effort has received increased scrutiny this week due to the Supreme Court's decision in the Trump immunity case as well as a controversial interview given by Heritage president Kevin Roberts.
“We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless ― if the left allows it to be," Roberts said on Real America’s Voice.
"I know nothing about Project 2025," Trump wrote of the effort, which has been led by the Heritage Foundation and some former Trump administration officials. "I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they’re saying and some of the things they’re saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them."
The effort has received increased scrutiny this week due to the Supreme Court's decision in the Trump immunity case as well as a controversial interview given by Heritage president Kevin Roberts.
“We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless ― if the left allows it to be," Roberts said on Real America’s Voice.
Biden's Allies Abroad Are Beginning To Turn On Him
Some of Biden's international allies are beginning to doubt the president's odds at keeping a Democrat in the White House.
Some are saying it out loud: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who's hosting the next G-20 summit, told a local radio station that "Biden has a problem," according to Bloomberg.
"He's moving more slowly, he is taking longer to answer questions. The US elections are very important for all the world,” Lula reportedly said.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that some of Biden's NATO allies are beginning to share similar sentiments privately, though with an increasingly forceful tone.
Read more at Bloomberg.
Some are saying it out loud: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who's hosting the next G-20 summit, told a local radio station that "Biden has a problem," according to Bloomberg.
"He's moving more slowly, he is taking longer to answer questions. The US elections are very important for all the world,” Lula reportedly said.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that some of Biden's NATO allies are beginning to share similar sentiments privately, though with an increasingly forceful tone.
Read more at Bloomberg.
CNN's Sanjay Gupta Says Biden Should Take Cognitive Test Post-Debate
Sanjay Gupta, CNN's chief medical correspondent, said he and other medical colleagues were concerned about Biden's debate performance from a neurological standpoint, citing his "confused rambling," among other things.
Gupta said the "consensus" from the doctors who got in touch with him "was that the president should be encouraged to undergo detailed cognitive and movement disorder testing, and those results should be made available to the public."
Read Gupta's full op-ed for CNN below.
Gupta said the "consensus" from the doctors who got in touch with him "was that the president should be encouraged to undergo detailed cognitive and movement disorder testing, and those results should be made available to the public."
Read Gupta's full op-ed for CNN below.
Democrats Already Considering Harris' Running Mate: CNN
Some Democratic politicians and operatives are so confident that Harris will become the party's nominee that they are already discussing who her running mate would be, CNN reported, citing conversations with more than two dozen people.
Harris, for her part, has deliberately ignored calls and texts about the possibility of replacing the president on the Democratic ticket. She has also been consistent in her outward showings of support for Biden.
But Democrats are starting to coalesce around her, as one senator explains in the article (using a lengthy football metaphor).
Harris, for her part, has deliberately ignored calls and texts about the possibility of replacing the president on the Democratic ticket. She has also been consistent in her outward showings of support for Biden.
But Democrats are starting to coalesce around her, as one senator explains in the article (using a lengthy football metaphor).
Biden Campaign Team Evokes 'Handmaid's Tale'
The Biden reelection team shared on social media an image from the dystopian story "The Handmaid's Tale" to warn about a Trump "Project 2025" future.
"Project 2025" refers to proposals by a right-wing think tank that include further restricting access to abortion pills and contraception.
"Project 2025" refers to proposals by a right-wing think tank that include further restricting access to abortion pills and contraception.
Washington Post Editorial Board Imagines A Biden Withdrawal Speech
The Washington Post editorial board published a faux speech under the headline “What if Biden spoke these words?”
"My season of service is nearing its close. This was a hard truth to face," it read.
People on social media were confused about the intent of the piece, with some saying it's a call for Biden to withdraw from the race.
"My season of service is nearing its close. This was a hard truth to face," it read.
People on social media were confused about the intent of the piece, with some saying it's a call for Biden to withdraw from the race.
Trump Proposes 'No Holds Barred' Rematch
On his Truth Social network, Trump proposed having another debate with Biden.
"Let’s do another Debate, but this time, no holds barred - An all on discussion, with just the two of us on stage, talking about the future of our Country," he wrote.
The two are set to face off again in September.
"Let’s do another Debate, but this time, no holds barred - An all on discussion, with just the two of us on stage, talking about the future of our Country," he wrote.
The two are set to face off again in September.
AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File
Some Democratic Governors Tell Joe Biden Voters Have Lost Faith: NYT
During a recent meeting with Joe Biden, several Democratic governors expressed deep concern for his political future.
The New York Times reported Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado (D) told Biden he had heard a “groundswell” from people who hoped the president would step aside and end his campaign. And Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey told fellow governors in another call that she had told the White House chief of staff Biden’s position was “irretrievable.”
The Times went on to say that Maine Gov. Janet Mills and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham also voiced their concerns with his bid.
The New York Times reported Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado (D) told Biden he had heard a “groundswell” from people who hoped the president would step aside and end his campaign. And Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey told fellow governors in another call that she had told the White House chief of staff Biden’s position was “irretrievable.”
The Times went on to say that Maine Gov. Janet Mills and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham also voiced their concerns with his bid.
Biden Heads Into A Make-Or-Break Stretch For His Imperiled Presidential Campaign
The Associated Press reports Biden is opening a critical stretch in his effort to salvage his imperiled reelection campaign.
“I’m not going anywhere,” the president told a crowd gathered for a July Fourth barbecue on the White House South Lawn Thursday.
Read more:
“I’m not going anywhere,” the president told a crowd gathered for a July Fourth barbecue on the White House South Lawn Thursday.
Read more:
Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images
Abigail Disney: Joe Biden Campaign, DNC Not Getting ‘Another Dime’ Until He Is Replaced
Abigail Disney, an heir to the Disney fortune and a major Democratic donor, said she would not donate any more money to Biden or the DNC until he steps aside.
The president and groups supporting him “will not receive another dime from me until they bite the bullet and replace Biden at the top of the ticket,” she said in an email to The New York Times.
“Biden is a good man who has served his country well, but the stakes are far too high to allow timidity to determine our course of action,” she wrote.
The president and groups supporting him “will not receive another dime from me until they bite the bullet and replace Biden at the top of the ticket,” she said in an email to The New York Times.
“Biden is a good man who has served his country well, but the stakes are far too high to allow timidity to determine our course of action,” she wrote.
Joe Biden Told Governors He Needs To Get More Sleep, Work Less Hours: NYT
During his meeting last night with more than 20 Democratic governors, Biden said that he needs to get more rest, work fewer hours and cut his events off at 8 p.m., according to the New York Times.
Multiple people familiar with the conversation told the Times Biden said he needed to get more sleep prior to the debate last week, since he'd been traveling extensively in the weeks leading up to it. He also admitted he'd been pushing himself too hard and not listening to his team about his schedule.
When one governor asked about his current health status, Biden reportedly said he was fine and joked, “It’s just my brain.”
The meeting was intended to reassure the governors that he is capable of challenging Trump and functioning as president, even as current and former officials say they've noticed Biden lapsing into confusion or listlessness more frequently.
But despite recent calls from congressional lawmakers for him to withdraw from the race, Biden said he's committed to staying in.
Multiple people familiar with the conversation told the Times Biden said he needed to get more sleep prior to the debate last week, since he'd been traveling extensively in the weeks leading up to it. He also admitted he'd been pushing himself too hard and not listening to his team about his schedule.
When one governor asked about his current health status, Biden reportedly said he was fine and joked, “It’s just my brain.”
The meeting was intended to reassure the governors that he is capable of challenging Trump and functioning as president, even as current and former officials say they've noticed Biden lapsing into confusion or listlessness more frequently.
But despite recent calls from congressional lawmakers for him to withdraw from the race, Biden said he's committed to staying in.
Delegates Say They’ll Support Joe Biden As The Democratic Nominee — But Anxiety Runs High
Thousands of delegates will attend the Democratic National Convention next month to select the party’s nominee for the 2024 presidential election. The Washington Post interviewed more than three dozen delegates who said that they would support President Joe Biden as the party’s nominee.
But doubts and concerns about Biden's age still remain among some delegates after his weak performance at the presidential debate last week and the faltering polls that followed.
Some delegates said that they would prefer a different candidate, such as Vice President Kamala Harris, and others are nervous about the party’s ability to win against Trump regardless of who their candidate is, especially in the aftermath of the debate.
But all of the delegates interviewed by the Post said they would still vote for Biden unless he drops out of the race.
Katybeth Davis, a 40-year-old delegate from Michigan, told the Post she will support Biden if he is the candidate, but “we can do better.
“I would support having the succession go through and having Kamala Harris take over the reins and see what that’s like,” Davis said.
“I’m all in, riding with Biden,” Joshua Ferguson, another Michigan delegate, told the Post. “He has done so much for my community that I’ll back him 1,000%. I’m not concerned. I’m not voting for who’s best on television. I’m voting for who can pass the best legislation, who’s best in Washington, and Biden is definitely that.”
A growing number of lawmakers have called for Biden to withdraw from the race, though he confirmed this week that he has no intention of doing so.
But doubts and concerns about Biden's age still remain among some delegates after his weak performance at the presidential debate last week and the faltering polls that followed.
Some delegates said that they would prefer a different candidate, such as Vice President Kamala Harris, and others are nervous about the party’s ability to win against Trump regardless of who their candidate is, especially in the aftermath of the debate.
But all of the delegates interviewed by the Post said they would still vote for Biden unless he drops out of the race.
Katybeth Davis, a 40-year-old delegate from Michigan, told the Post she will support Biden if he is the candidate, but “we can do better.
“I would support having the succession go through and having Kamala Harris take over the reins and see what that’s like,” Davis said.
“I’m all in, riding with Biden,” Joshua Ferguson, another Michigan delegate, told the Post. “He has done so much for my community that I’ll back him 1,000%. I’m not concerned. I’m not voting for who’s best on television. I’m voting for who can pass the best legislation, who’s best in Washington, and Biden is definitely that.”
A growing number of lawmakers have called for Biden to withdraw from the race, though he confirmed this week that he has no intention of doing so.
Trump Keeping A Low Profile Amid Dem Drama
Trump has been lying low this week, the Associated Press reports, with no events on his schedule.
That's partially due to the holiday, but also because he's happy to keep the focus and pressure on his opponent, according to AP sources.
That's partially due to the holiday, but also because he's happy to keep the focus and pressure on his opponent, according to AP sources.
Even Newsmax Knocked Back This Suggestion From Trump Spokesperson
Trump campaign spokesperson Caroline Sunshine suggested that Democrats "surrender now," drawing similar amused reactions from both Fox News and Newsmax.
"I don’t think the Democrats are going to sit this election out," Newsmax host Rob Finnerty said.
"I don’t think the Democrats are going to sit this election out," Newsmax host Rob Finnerty said.
Opinion: Powerful Democrats Call On Powerless To Save Democracy
After the Supreme Court ruled that Trump had immunity from criminal prosecution for "official" acts, spineless Democrats had a weak response, writes Danielle Campoamor.
"Liberals in positions of power have a tainted history of meeting unprecedented moments of corruption with lukewarm statements and regurgitated campaign promises hinging on voter turnout," writes Campoamor.
"Liberals in positions of power have a tainted history of meeting unprecedented moments of corruption with lukewarm statements and regurgitated campaign promises hinging on voter turnout," writes Campoamor.
Sidestepping Harris Would Be 'Kiss Of Death For The Party,' Democratic Rep. Says
Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) told Axios' Hans Nichols that Vice President Kamala Harris is an "incredibly strong" candidate as the party weighs the future of the Democratic ticket in the event that Biden drops out.
"You can't say Biden has done a good job without saying she's done a good job," Thompson said.
He added that any efforts to sidestep Harris for the nomination in the event that Biden withdrew his candidacy "would be the kiss of death for the party."
"You can't say Biden has done a good job without saying she's done a good job," Thompson said.
He added that any efforts to sidestep Harris for the nomination in the event that Biden withdrew his candidacy "would be the kiss of death for the party."
'America's Renewal Needs To Start Now': The Economist Calls For Biden To Drop Out
The Economist urged Democrats to "urgently" call for Biden to drop out of the race.
"In order to bring about the political renewal that America now so clearly needs, they must call for change," the editorial reads. "It is not too late."
The magazine also took issue with how the president's team has defended his disastrous performance over the past week.
"The presidential debate was awful for Joe Biden, but the cover-up has been worse," they added.
Read the full piece here.
"In order to bring about the political renewal that America now so clearly needs, they must call for change," the editorial reads. "It is not too late."
The magazine also took issue with how the president's team has defended his disastrous performance over the past week.
"The presidential debate was awful for Joe Biden, but the cover-up has been worse," they added.
Read the full piece here.
'I Screwed Up': Biden Concedes Poor Debate Performance In Radio Interview
During an interview with "The Earl Ingram Show" set to air in full later this morning, Biden conceded he did poorly in last week's debate.
"I had a bad night," Biden said. "I screwed up. I made a mistake. That's 90 minutes on stage. Look at what I've done in 3.5 years."
Ingram, who interviewed Biden, told CNN's Erica Hill the president "certainly didn't appear to show me signs of a guy who's ready to throw in the towel."
"I had a bad night," Biden said. "I screwed up. I made a mistake. That's 90 minutes on stage. Look at what I've done in 3.5 years."
Ingram, who interviewed Biden, told CNN's Erica Hill the president "certainly didn't appear to show me signs of a guy who's ready to throw in the towel."
New York Times Columnists Weigh In On Who Should Be The 2024 Democratic Nominee
Six New York Times columnists weighed in on which Democrat they think would be best positioned to win the upcoming election.
Read more on their answers below.
Read more on their answers below.
What's On Biden's Schedule For The Fourth Of July?
The White House has released Biden's schedule for today as fallout from the debate continues.
After receiving the President's Daily brief in the morning, Biden and first lady Jill Biden will host a barbecue with active-duty military service members.
Later, the Bidens will host a Fourth of July celebration for military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors at the White House, where they will be joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff. Biden is expected to deliver remarks at the event.
The two couples will then watch the Independence Day fireworks display over the National Mall.
After receiving the President's Daily brief in the morning, Biden and first lady Jill Biden will host a barbecue with active-duty military service members.
Later, the Bidens will host a Fourth of July celebration for military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors at the White House, where they will be joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff. Biden is expected to deliver remarks at the event.
The two couples will then watch the Independence Day fireworks display over the National Mall.
Democratic Rep. Says White House 'Fumbled' Post-Debate Response
Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) said the White House has "clearly fumbled" the response to Biden's poor showing at last week's debate.
"I think that we have to be honest about that," Porter told CNN's "The Lead."
Porter added that she has many questions both for Biden and his advisers amid the uncertainty around his candidacy.
"We all want our president to be surrounded by people who are going to help him win," she said.
What we've seen so far "is probably not the course correction that we need," Porter continued.
"I think that we have to be honest about that," Porter told CNN's "The Lead."
Porter added that she has many questions both for Biden and his advisers amid the uncertainty around his candidacy.
"We all want our president to be surrounded by people who are going to help him win," she said.
What we've seen so far "is probably not the course correction that we need," Porter continued.
Fauci Comments On Biden's Debate Appearance
In an interview with CBS' "The Takeout" podcast, Dr. Anthony Fauci was asked to comment on Biden's debate appearance amid concerns about his fitness to serve.
"Did he have a bad cold?" Fauci asked. "Did he take an antihistamine to make him groggy or what have you? We don't know what went on and I think it would be unfair and inappropriate to try and diagnose something from just a 90-minute clip."
Fauci added that based on his personal experience and interactions with Biden, he has "no doubt" he is in a position to continue serving as president.
"Did he have a bad cold?" Fauci asked. "Did he take an antihistamine to make him groggy or what have you? We don't know what went on and I think it would be unfair and inappropriate to try and diagnose something from just a 90-minute clip."
Fauci added that based on his personal experience and interactions with Biden, he has "no doubt" he is in a position to continue serving as president.
Newsom Says He's 'All In' For Joe Biden
Gavin Newsom, one of the Democratic governors who took part in a meeting with Biden, said he is standing by the president as speculation mounts about the future of his White House bid.
"I heard three words from the President tonight -- he’s all in," the California governor wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "And so am I."
Newsom has been floated as a potential presidential candidate in the event that Biden drops out.
"I heard three words from the President tonight -- he’s all in," the California governor wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "And so am I."
Newsom has been floated as a potential presidential candidate in the event that Biden drops out.
Ana Navarro Says Democrats Should Show Biden 'A Little Respect'
"The View" co-host Ana Navarro called out Democratic Party members for not showing Biden "a little respect" following his CNN debate performance.
“You want Joe Biden to step down? That’s fair. But you know what? The guy has served our country his entire lifetime since he was like 28 years old,” Navarro said.
She continued, “So I think he’s earned the right to a little respect. You want him to step down? Why don’t you call the fucking White House? Why don’t you call the campaign? Why don’t you call the DNC?"
Read more on Navarro's comments below.
“You want Joe Biden to step down? That’s fair. But you know what? The guy has served our country his entire lifetime since he was like 28 years old,” Navarro said.
She continued, “So I think he’s earned the right to a little respect. You want him to step down? Why don’t you call the fucking White House? Why don’t you call the campaign? Why don’t you call the DNC?"
Read more on Navarro's comments below.
Boston Globe Editorial Board Calls On Biden To Exit Race
The editorial board of the Boston Globe urged Biden to step aside "for the good of the country, his party, and his legacy."
The board called the steps his campaign has taken so far to address the fallout from the debate and restore confidence in his candidacy "insufficient," noting that his team should have made him available for interviews with reporters who are critical of him and shared more details about his medical exam earlier this year.
"We would like to think that if they did all those things now, that Biden would pass them with flying colors," they write. "Because we firmly believe that even a weaker Biden is far superior to a vigorous Trump. But, sadly, last week’s debate makes us suspect that his campaign has largely avoided these kinds of challenges because they feared the president would fail them."
Read the full op-ed below.
The board called the steps his campaign has taken so far to address the fallout from the debate and restore confidence in his candidacy "insufficient," noting that his team should have made him available for interviews with reporters who are critical of him and shared more details about his medical exam earlier this year.
"We would like to think that if they did all those things now, that Biden would pass them with flying colors," they write. "Because we firmly believe that even a weaker Biden is far superior to a vigorous Trump. But, sadly, last week’s debate makes us suspect that his campaign has largely avoided these kinds of challenges because they feared the president would fail them."
Read the full op-ed below.
Van Jones Details 'Full-Scale Panic' Among Democratic Insiders
CNN commentator Van Jones said serious conversations are underway among Democrats as they consider the possibility of Biden dropping out of the race.
“Everybody comes on the air, says all this great stuff, but behind the scenes it’s full-scale panic,” he told CNN's "AC360." “People are passing around legal memos, PDFs are flying back and forth on WhatsApp, trying to figure out what are the options. How can you replace Biden, how do you get him to do it in a way were he feels respected, as he should be respected?”
Read more on Jones' comments below.
“Everybody comes on the air, says all this great stuff, but behind the scenes it’s full-scale panic,” he told CNN's "AC360." “People are passing around legal memos, PDFs are flying back and forth on WhatsApp, trying to figure out what are the options. How can you replace Biden, how do you get him to do it in a way were he feels respected, as he should be respected?”
Read more on Jones' comments below.
Photo by Bruce Glikas/WireImage
Former Sen. Barbara Boxer Says Biden Has 2 Weeks To Right Campaign
Former Calif. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D) told a Los Angeles Times columnist Biden should have two weeks to restore the momentum behind his campaign, and “if he can’t, he can’t.”
“The man has done it, time and time again,” Boxer told the LA Times’ Mark Barabak. “Every time he’s been counted out, he’s come back. Can he do it one more time? I don’t know the answer. But out of respect and admiration for what he’s done, let’s give him the time to do it.”
“And if he can’t, he can’t,” she added. “And there will be someone else.”
Boxer endorsed Biden in 2020 over fellow Californian, then-Sen. Kamala Harris, who replaced her in Congress. She said in her recent interview she was stunned watching Biden on stage at the debate.
“This wasn’t the Joe we knew,” she said. “Something was off.”
“The man has done it, time and time again,” Boxer told the LA Times’ Mark Barabak. “Every time he’s been counted out, he’s come back. Can he do it one more time? I don’t know the answer. But out of respect and admiration for what he’s done, let’s give him the time to do it.”
“And if he can’t, he can’t,” she added. “And there will be someone else.”
Boxer endorsed Biden in 2020 over fellow Californian, then-Sen. Kamala Harris, who replaced her in Congress. She said in her recent interview she was stunned watching Biden on stage at the debate.
“This wasn’t the Joe we knew,” she said. “Something was off.”
(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Biden Tells Governors He Had Medical Checkup After Debate
Biden told more than 20 Democratic governors Wednesday that he had a medical checkup after his debate performance last week and is healthy, Politico reported. A person familiar with the president’s schedule told the outlet the checkup was related to lingering symptoms from the cold he cited as a reason for his poor performance.
“The president has regular annual physicals that we release in a thorough report,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier in the day when asked about his health. “We’re going to continue to do that.”
“The president has regular annual physicals that we release in a thorough report,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier in the day when asked about his health. “We’re going to continue to do that.”
ABC News Moves Joe Biden Interview To Friday Primetime
ABC News has moved its interview between Biden and host George Stephanopoulos to Friday night during primetime, rather than Sunday morning when it was originally scheduled.
The network will release an unedited transcript the same day. It will air once again on Sunday.
The network will release an unedited transcript the same day. It will air once again on Sunday.
Netflix Co-Founder Reed Hastings Calls On Biden To End Campaign
Reed Hastings, the co-founder of Netflix and a major Democratic donor, called on President Joe Biden to end his bid for reelection and allow another candidate to step forward to challenge Donald Trump.
“Biden needs to step aside to allow a vigorous Democratic leader to beat Trump and keep us safe and prosperous,” Hastings told The New York Times in an email on Wednesday.
Read more:
“Biden needs to step aside to allow a vigorous Democratic leader to beat Trump and keep us safe and prosperous,” Hastings told The New York Times in an email on Wednesday.
Read more:
Democratic Governors Are Focused On A Win For Joe Biden In November
Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris held a meeting at the White House with over 20 Democratic governors Wednesday evening to ease their anxieties following his weak performance at the presidential debate last week. People present at the meeting attended both in-person or virtually.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who attended in person, described the meeting to reporters as “honest” and said the Democrats are all focused on winning the election in November. The governors also expressed fear for a second Trump presidency, the New York Times reported.
“President Joe Biden is in it to win it, and all of us said we pledged our support to him,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul told reporters, according to the Times.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz acknowledged that Biden's performance at the debate last week was “bad,” but said he believes Biden is fit for office and has faith in his presidency.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who attended in person, described the meeting to reporters as “honest” and said the Democrats are all focused on winning the election in November. The governors also expressed fear for a second Trump presidency, the New York Times reported.
“President Joe Biden is in it to win it, and all of us said we pledged our support to him,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul told reporters, according to the Times.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz acknowledged that Biden's performance at the debate last week was “bad,” but said he believes Biden is fit for office and has faith in his presidency.
Donald Trump Claims In Video Joe Biden Is ‘Quitting The Race’
In a video a source shared with The Daily Beast, Trump slams Biden as a “broken-down pile of crap” and predicts he’s stepping aside from the race.
“He just quit, you know—he’s quitting the race,” Trump says in the video, sitting in a golf cart. “I got him out of the—and that means we have Kamala.” It’s not clear exactly where or when the video was filmed.
He also says he thinks Harris will be an easier opponent for him to beat in November.
“She’s so bad. She’s so pathetic,” the presumptive GOP nominee says in the footage.
His campaign has been running ads hinting that Harris is happy about Biden’s poor debate performance. His campaign advisors released a statement calling her “Cackling Copilot Kamala Harris.”
“He just quit, you know—he’s quitting the race,” Trump says in the video, sitting in a golf cart. “I got him out of the—and that means we have Kamala.” It’s not clear exactly where or when the video was filmed.
He also says he thinks Harris will be an easier opponent for him to beat in November.
“She’s so bad. She’s so pathetic,” the presumptive GOP nominee says in the footage.
His campaign has been running ads hinting that Harris is happy about Biden’s poor debate performance. His campaign advisors released a statement calling her “Cackling Copilot Kamala Harris.”
Getty Images
Donald Trump To Host Rallies In Florida, Pennsylvania
Trump's presidential campaign announced he'll hold rallies in Florida and Pennsylvania next week.
The first will be held at his golf course in Doral, Florida, on Tuesday, July 9.
He'll then appear in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 13.
While Trump has laid low on the campaign trail this week as media attention stayed on Biden post-debate, the presumptive Republican nominee is expected to name his running mate before the Republican National Convention begins on July 15.
The first will be held at his golf course in Doral, Florida, on Tuesday, July 9.
He'll then appear in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 13.
While Trump has laid low on the campaign trail this week as media attention stayed on Biden post-debate, the presumptive Republican nominee is expected to name his running mate before the Republican National Convention begins on July 15.
Another House Democrat Expresses 'Concerns' About Joe Biden
In a statement, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) said he has “grave concerns about [Biden’s] ability to defeat Donald Trump."
“Beating Trump is imperative for the future of our democracy, especially now that the Supreme Court just handed him a blank check to act like a king,” Moulton said. “The unfortunate reality is that the status quo will likely deliver us President Trump."
Biden, Moulton said, needs to "demonstrate" that he can properly "prosecute the case" against voting for Trump to the public.
"When your current strategy isn't working, it's rarely the right decision to double down. President Biden is not going to get younger,” Moulton — who ran in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary — continued.
"[Democrats] should have all viable options on the table," he concluded.
“Beating Trump is imperative for the future of our democracy, especially now that the Supreme Court just handed him a blank check to act like a king,” Moulton said. “The unfortunate reality is that the status quo will likely deliver us President Trump."
Biden, Moulton said, needs to "demonstrate" that he can properly "prosecute the case" against voting for Trump to the public.
"When your current strategy isn't working, it's rarely the right decision to double down. President Biden is not going to get younger,” Moulton — who ran in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary — continued.
"[Democrats] should have all viable options on the table," he concluded.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
Democratic Delegates Go On The Record With Biden Concerns
Several Democratic National Convention delegates shared their concerns about Biden with Politico.
“After watching the debate, I don’t feel like he’s up to the task for four more years, and I think we need to be electing someone who can serve in that capacity for a full term,” Marilyn Burgess, a Democratic delegate from Harris County, Texas, said.
Another delegate from Texas said: “I don’t know if I could, in good conscience, support him.”
“I’m hoping he steps aside and plays a grand role at the convention — but not as being president,” another from California said of Biden.
“After watching the debate, I don’t feel like he’s up to the task for four more years, and I think we need to be electing someone who can serve in that capacity for a full term,” Marilyn Burgess, a Democratic delegate from Harris County, Texas, said.
Another delegate from Texas said: “I don’t know if I could, in good conscience, support him.”
“I’m hoping he steps aside and plays a grand role at the convention — but not as being president,” another from California said of Biden.
What Kamala Harris’ 2020 Run Says About Her 2024 Prospects
Harris is the most likely to take Biden’s place in almost any scenario, whether she receives some kind of formal endorsement from Biden and party leaders or simply has to prevail in an open contest for convention delegates. Among the plausible contenders, she has the most name recognition and stature. She, and only she, can say she’s been in the room and on the world stage with Biden, and performed under White House-level scrutiny.
Read more:
Read more:
Biden Campaign Megadonor Calls On President To Step Aside
Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix and one of the biggest donors to the Biden campaign, is calling on the president to step aside from his bid for re-election.
Hastings is the first megadonor to publicly request that Biden drop out.
“Biden needs to step aside to allow a vigorous Democratic leader to beat Trump and keep us safe and prosperous,” Hastings told The New York Times in an email.
Biden recently stated that he will not be dropping out of the race, and sent a text message to supporters this afternoon affirming his plans.
Hastings is the first megadonor to publicly request that Biden drop out.
“Biden needs to step aside to allow a vigorous Democratic leader to beat Trump and keep us safe and prosperous,” Hastings told The New York Times in an email.
Biden recently stated that he will not be dropping out of the race, and sent a text message to supporters this afternoon affirming his plans.
An Inside Look At The Democrats’ Panic
HuffPost spoke to more than a dozen current and former Democratic lawmakers and top aides on Wednesday to gauge their feelings on Biden.
“We need to focus on beating Trump. It is crazy to consider the massively difficult, chaotic process to replace him. That would guarantee defeat,” one veteran House Democrat said.
“Numbers haven’t changed much. We need to circle the wagons, not crash them.”
The lawmaker brushed off certain Democrats’ calls for Biden to step aside.
“Trying to be relevant,” the person said. “I mean, who cares what Lloyd Doggett thinks?”
Read more here.
“We need to focus on beating Trump. It is crazy to consider the massively difficult, chaotic process to replace him. That would guarantee defeat,” one veteran House Democrat said.
“Numbers haven’t changed much. We need to circle the wagons, not crash them.”
The lawmaker brushed off certain Democrats’ calls for Biden to step aside.
“Trying to be relevant,” the person said. “I mean, who cares what Lloyd Doggett thinks?”
Read more here.
Biden Steps In Front Of Cameras Once Again
Biden spoke for around 10 minutes at a White House ceremony where he was awarding posthumous Medals of Honor to two Union Army soldiers who infiltrated the Confederate Army and used a stolen train to destroy Confederate infrastructure. The pair, Phillip Shadrach and George Wilson, were captured and executed in 1862.
The president read the speech off a teleprompter — not the type of unscripted performance that some of his allies have encouraged in order to reassure voters he has the stamina for reelection. Biden is expected to sit down for an interview with ABC News reporter George Stephanopoulos, on Friday, although that will be recorded and aired in full Sunday.
The president read the speech off a teleprompter — not the type of unscripted performance that some of his allies have encouraged in order to reassure voters he has the stamina for reelection. Biden is expected to sit down for an interview with ABC News reporter George Stephanopoulos, on Friday, although that will be recorded and aired in full Sunday.
Rep. Clyburn Says He'd Support 'Mini-Primary' Should Biden Step Aside
In an interview with CNN, Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) said he'd support a "mini-primary" if Biden were to step aside.
Clyburn was asked whether Harris should automatically get the nomination if Biden decided not to run. But the longtime Biden ally suggested instead that Harris work for the nomination in a smaller contest with Democratic governors.
"I think we’re going to have a mini-primary leading into the convention,” he said.
Clyburn was asked whether Harris should automatically get the nomination if Biden decided not to run. But the longtime Biden ally suggested instead that Harris work for the nomination in a smaller contest with Democratic governors.
"I think we’re going to have a mini-primary leading into the convention,” he said.
House Democrats Will Discuss Joe Biden’s Nomination Tonight
Several House Democrats, including some who are a part of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, are holding a call this evening to discuss Biden’s presidential nomination, according to the Washington Post.
Following Biden’s unsteady performance at the presidential debate last week, both Democrats and Republicans have expressed doubts about Biden’s bid for presidency, prompting him to do damage control.
Biden has reportedly spoken to his supporters, White House staff and his family in the past few days to discuss his performance at the debate, weigh whether he should drop out of the race and ease doubts about his bid for presidency.
He is also scheduled to meet with Democratic governors tonight.
Following Biden’s unsteady performance at the presidential debate last week, both Democrats and Republicans have expressed doubts about Biden’s bid for presidency, prompting him to do damage control.
Biden has reportedly spoken to his supporters, White House staff and his family in the past few days to discuss his performance at the debate, weigh whether he should drop out of the race and ease doubts about his bid for presidency.
He is also scheduled to meet with Democratic governors tonight.
Democratic Congresswoman Says Biden’s Staff ‘Bubble-Wraps Him’
Speaking to CNN Wednesday afternoon, Michigan Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell had plenty of supportive things to say about Biden as a person and as a leader, saying he has “delivered more than most presidents have for working men and women.” But she also acknowledged, repeatedly, that Biden did not perform well at Thursday’s debate and spoke critically of the president’s staff.
“I think some of the campaign staff didn’t take it seriously enough,” Dingell said of the response to Biden’s debate. “I’m sure they’ll get mad at me for saying that. [But] it got a lot of people upset.”
Dingell said Biden “should have been out there sooner and faster” to address widespread fears about his continued ability to do the job.
“I think sometimes his staff bubble-wraps him,” Dingell said. A flurry of reports in recent days have questioned how well Biden's staff is serving him; Politico reported Tuesday that White House staffers supposedly shield him from upsetting information.
Biden, Dingell said, “has to talk directly to the American people and show them he is strong enough for the next four years.” She noted that she has not seen signs of mental decline in the president herself.
“I think some of the campaign staff didn’t take it seriously enough,” Dingell said of the response to Biden’s debate. “I’m sure they’ll get mad at me for saying that. [But] it got a lot of people upset.”
Dingell said Biden “should have been out there sooner and faster” to address widespread fears about his continued ability to do the job.
“I think sometimes his staff bubble-wraps him,” Dingell said. A flurry of reports in recent days have questioned how well Biden's staff is serving him; Politico reported Tuesday that White House staffers supposedly shield him from upsetting information.
Biden, Dingell said, “has to talk directly to the American people and show them he is strong enough for the next four years.” She noted that she has not seen signs of mental decline in the president herself.
Second Democratic Congressman Calls On Biden To Drop From Race
Another elected Democrat has joined Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) in calling on President Joe Biden to step aside.
Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), a former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told the New York Times that Biden's bad debate is an opportunity for Democrats to move on.
“If he’s the candidate, I’m going to support him, but I think that this is an opportunity to look elsewhere,” Grijalva said.
Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), a former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, told the New York Times that Biden's bad debate is an opportunity for Democrats to move on.
“If he’s the candidate, I’m going to support him, but I think that this is an opportunity to look elsewhere,” Grijalva said.
Need Help Catching Up?
A lot has happened in the 2024 race in the last week.
Check out our earlier updates, including news from the first presidential debate and its aftermath, here.
Check out our earlier updates, including news from the first presidential debate and its aftermath, here.
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