President Joe Biden will reportedly discuss the future of his family and his presidential campaign following his performance at Thursday’s debate.
Several people familiar with the matter said NBC News The topic will be discussed at Camp David this weekend.
Biden appeared stiff and disoriented during the presidential debate, and spoke hoarsely and muttered to himself, but his campaign blamed this on a “cold.”
Biden also failed to deliver his prepared closing statement with precision.
BREAKING: “President Joe Biden will discuss the future of his reelection campaign with family members at Camp David on Sunday.”
“A person with knowledge of Biden’s state of mind said Biden felt humiliated, lacked confidence and was acutely aware that his physical characteristics at the time were…” pic.twitter.com/SUoAmTp3S6
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) June 30, 2024
The outlet cited two sources who claim that Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-Calif.) and Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), have privately “expressed concerns” about Biden’s ability to serve another term.
So far, top Democrats have publicly voiced their support for Biden, including through tweets from former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Ranking Democrats including Reps. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Jim Clyburn of South Carolina and Nancy Pelosi of California have privately expressed concerns about Biden’s viability, despite all publicly endorsing the president, two sources familiar with the discussions said.
Following Biden’s performance in the debate, several Democrats, members of the media and voters expressed the view that Biden needs to be replaced, noting that he looked “very weak” and “weak.”
Several top Hollywood donors panicked, issuing an ultimatum to Democrats that they would not give any more money unless Biden “stepped back.”
Other donors reportedly pulled away from Biden after his debate performance.
The day after the presidential debate, Biden acknowledged at a rally in North Carolina that he can no longer “walk as easily,” “talk as smoothly” or “debate as well” as he used to.
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While Democratic Party officials have publicly voiced their support for Biden, sources told the outlet it is understood this is a decision for Biden and his “wife,” First Lady Jill Biden, to make.
“The two decision makers are the president and his wife,” the source said. “Anyone who doesn’t understand how personal and familial this decision is doesn’t understand the situation.”
While the Biden campaign has insisted that he is “not withdrawing” from the presidential race, a source told the outlet that the “only person with ultimate influence” over him is his wife.
“The only person who has ultimate influence over him is the first lady,” the source said. “If she decides a change in policy is needed, a change in policy will be made.”
