Following President Biden's debate performance on Thursday night, Democratic lawmakers were left grappling with a mix of disappointment, frustration, and panic. Many expressed concerns about the impact of the debate on down-ballot races and the overall messaging of the party.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries refrained from commenting on Biden's effectiveness as a messenger, emphasizing the need for Biden to articulate his vision for America. Some lawmakers, however, questioned the significance of debates in the current political landscape.
Despite concerns about Biden's performance, some Democrats stressed the importance of looking beyond a single debate and focusing on the broader issues at stake in the election. Representative Jason Crow highlighted the existential threat posed by Donald Trump, while Rep. Gregory Meeks acknowledged Biden's poor showing but maintained confidence in his ability to lead.
Democratic strategist Joel Rubin urged fellow Democrats to shift their focus from critiquing Biden's debate performance to mobilizing voters and supporting the party's infrastructure. He emphasized that one rough night does not negate Biden's accomplishments over the past three and a half years.
While some Democrats expressed frustration with public criticisms of Biden's debate performance, the prevailing sentiment among party members is a call to action and unity in the face of the upcoming election.
