President Joe Biden’s challenging debate with Republican opponent Donald Trump has raised concerns among his advisers and Democratic allies, who now question the decisions leading up to the event. Interviews with Democratic allies, donors, and current and former aides reveal dissatisfaction with Biden’s debate preparation and performance.
During the 90-minute debate on Thursday, Trump, 78, repeated numerous falsehoods, including claims that he won the 2020 election. Biden, 81, struggled to counter these statements, leading to calls from some Democrats for him to reconsider his bid for a second term and for a reevaluation of his top aides’ strategies.
One source close to the campaign expressed frustration, stating, “My only request was to make sure he’s rested before the debate, but he was exhausted. He was unwell.” They criticized the decision to send Biden out looking tired and sick.
John Morgan, a Florida-based attorney and major Biden fundraiser, also voiced his concerns, stating that Biden was “over-coached, over-practiced.” He specifically criticized senior aide Anita Dunn and Biden’s attorney Bob Bauer, who played Trump in pre-debate rehearsals, suggesting they should be dismissed from the campaign.
Biden’s debate strategy was approved by campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon and supported by longtime aide Anita Dunn. Despite initial confidence due to Biden’s rising poll numbers and Trump’s recent legal troubles, the debate performance has led to widespread disappointment.
Biden had been engaged in extensive travel, including trips to France and Italy, shortly before the debate, which left him fatigued. Preparations for the debate included rigorous practice sessions at Camp David, but critics argue that the focus should have been on broader vision rather than detailed rebuttals.
Several aides observed Biden’s exhaustion during this period. At the debate, Biden appeared tired and was often incoherent, leading to criticism from figures like Michael LaRosa, former special assistant to President Biden and press secretary for First Lady Jill Biden.
Some aides had previously suggested Biden might avoid debating Trump altogether, fearing it could disadvantage him. However, Biden committed to the debate during an April interview with Howard Stern, surprising some advisers.
Biden’s team had decided to reject three scheduled presidential debates organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates, opting instead for a format they believed would be more favorable. They aimed to control the terms of the debate, including using a more pliant host in CNN, and ensuring there was no audience to cheer Trump’s remarks.
Despite a strong speech in North Carolina the day after the debate, many Democrats and donors remain concerned. Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin acknowledged ongoing discussions within the Democratic Party about the 2024 candidacy, indicating that serious conversations are happening at all levels.
While Biden’s campaign insists that no staff shake-up is planned and remains confident in their strategy, the debate has undoubtedly caused significant unrest among his supporters and advisers.