President Biden is scheduled to meet with Democratic congressional leaders and state governors on Wednesday amid widespread concerns about his debate performance.
“The president will be taking time tomorrow to speak with these lawmakers and Democratic governors,” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday.
Asked by a reporter why Biden had not called Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) after the debate, Jean-Pierre said the president planned to speak with them later this week, adding that senior staff and the campaign were in contact with lawmakers “regularly.”
CNN reported Tuesday that Democratic governors held a conference call on Monday without Biden. A Democratic National Committee official familiar with the call told The Hill that the call was hosted by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), who serves as chairman of the Democratic Governors Association. The official also said that only the governors were on the call, and that the Biden-Harris campaign was aware that it had taken place.
“Democratic governors have seen how the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris Administration are directly benefiting their residents and have been some of the president and vice president’s most active and vocal supporters,” the official said. “The Biden-Harris team has been in constant communication with the governors and their teams, including meeting yesterday.”
Democratic governors have publicly backed Biden, acknowledging that he performed poorly in the debate but stressing the importance of choosing him over former President Trump.
The developments come amid continuing criticism from both parties following the president’s debate performance. On Tuesday, Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas became the first House Democrat to call on Biden to withdraw from the Democratic nomination.
The first polls after the debate also showed a negative impression of Biden, with 75% of registered voters saying a different Democratic candidate would be more likely to beat Trump in a CNN poll released Tuesday.
