President Joe Biden is set to meet with his family at Camp David today to discuss the future of his election campaign, multiple reports indicate.
This gathering could be one of the most challenging decisions in his extensive political career.
The pre-planned trip, intended for a family photo with children and grandchildren included, comes at a crucial moment, providing an opportunity for a private meeting with those who hold significant influence in Biden’s life. His family was instrumental in his decision to run in 2020.
This meeting follows Biden’s troubling debate performance against former President Donald Trump on Thursday night. During the debate, Biden struggled with a raspy voice and delivered rambling answers, reigniting concerns about his age.
In the 48 hours since the debate, a growing number of donors and supporters have urged Biden to step aside. The New York Times editorial board echoed this sentiment. Outside a fundraising event on Saturday, Biden supporters held signs asking him to exit the race. The weekend was filled with discussions about potential replacements for Biden.
In just 90 minutes, Biden’s debate performance has sparked perhaps the most significant challenge to his presidency yet. However, his campaign has largely dismissed these concerns, and Biden himself has shown no signs of stepping down.
The president addressed his debate struggles publicly on Friday.
“Folks, I might not walk as easily or talk as smoothly as I used to. I might not debate as well as I used to. But what I do know is how to tell the truth,” he said at a rally in North Carolina.
In response to reports about discussing his campaign with his family, Andrew Bates, the White House senior deputy press secretary, stated on X that the Camp David trip was pre-planned and dismissed the speculation.