Following his lackluster debate performance against Donald Trump last week, Joe Biden has a new strategy to address concerns: he plans to get more rest. He dismissed criticisms of his debate performance as a one-time mistake and remains confident in his ability to defeat Trump, despite his advanced age of 81. Biden admitted that he needs more sleep and vowed to stop holding events after 8 p.m. The suggestion was met with skepticism by attending governors.
Interestingly, Biden’s campaign did not immediately comment on his decision to prioritize rest, as reported by CNN. Initially, Biden’s campaign attributed his poor debate performance to a combination of a cold and jet lag from recent trips. However, sources within his family have reportedly indicated that top aides such as Anita Dunn, Bob Bauer, and Ron Klain may share the blame for his lackluster showing.
Despite the concerns raised by the leak regarding Biden’s decision to curtail evening events, his political allies and supporters are standing by him. Governor Wesley Moore emphasized their unwavering support for Biden, reassuring reporters that they would back him through this rough patch. The leak may have repercussions, given that some House Democrats are questioning whether Biden should step down, with Rep. Jim Clyburn discussing supporting Vice President Kamala Harris if Biden were to withdraw.
As Biden prepares for a crucial upcoming event, where he will be interviewed by ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, the pressure is on for him to demonstrate that he is up to the task of running for president. The interview provides an opportunity for Biden to dispel doubts about his mental acuity and prove his readiness for the presidency, but it also carries the risk of further missteps that could harm his campaign.