Staff Reports
President Biden is launching into a whirlwind of meetings and public appearances attempting to mitigate the fallout from his calamitous debate performance last week. The circus to sell his mental acuity begins with a meeting with Democratic governors, scheduled virtually for Wednesday. This comes on the heels of a prior meeting where said governors, exasperated over the president’s political future, discussed their growing concerns.
In a remarkable display of executive detachment, the governors have been voicing their frustration about not hearing from Biden directly. Kudos to Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz for organizing the call; someone had to do it since Sleepy Joe has apparently been snoozing through his obligations. The anxiety over Biden’s capacity to serve—and its impact on down-ballot Democrats—continues to escalate.
Biden to meet with Democrat governors, plans blitz of appearances to quell age concerns https://t.co/Ykvxd5PfPj
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) July 2, 2024
Biden’s agenda also includes a hasty meeting with Democrats on Capitol Hill, a reminder that Biden couldn’t be bothered to touch base with his significant allies, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre generously informed that Biden will finally grace these members with his presence. It’s amazing what desperation can trigger—finally, some face time with the boss.
Under duress, the presidency pivoted into optics overdrive. Biden’s handlers scrapped his leisurely plans for the Fourth of July in Delaware. Instead, he’s headed to Wisconsin on Friday and Philadelphia on Sunday, tackling two crucial swing states. The president’s survival campaign swiftly moved to prime those key voter blocs.
Further inflating the president’s jam-packed schedule, Biden has lined up his first television interview since the infamous debate, set with George Stephanopoulos for Friday’s “World News Tonight.” Not content to stop at one media engagement, chunks of this damage control spectacle will air over the weekend. Adding to the extravagant defense, Biden will hold a solo press conference during next week’s NATO summit.
The president’s dismal debate performance turned private whispers into blaring public alarm about his mental acuity. Flummoxed responses raised enough red flags to warrant skyrocketing concerns. Congressman Lloyd Doggett of Texas had the temerity to voice what many Democrats have been thinking: Biden should step down. Even a CNN poll revealed 75% of registered voters think Democrats would fare better against Trump with someone else at the helm.
Karine Jean-Pierre had quite the task at Tuesday’s White House press briefing, facing a barrage of tough questions. When asked directly about Biden’s mental health, she emphatically denied any issues, albeit with a detectable annoyance. Sure, Biden merely had a cold, according to Jean-Pierre. She valiantly tried to gloss over the demand for transparency concerning Biden’s medical records.
In a nutshell, as Biden seemingly stumbles through the final stretch of his presidency, his administration scrambles to portray a vigorous leader in command. The problem is, no amount of spin can overshadow last week’s disaster or curb the bubbling trepidation within his own party.
