Democrats have been deeply concerned about President Biden’s candidacy and his ability to defeat Donald Trump following his poor debate performance last week.
To address these concerns, Biden sat for an interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Friday night.
Whether the interview alleviated these concerns will become clearer in the coming days. Here are six key takeaways from the interview:
- Biden’s Performance and Age
Biden’s performance in the interview was better than in the debate, but his age is increasingly apparent. While he may have reassured some political allies, he did not display the clarity and coherence that Democrats hoped for. His thoughts were occasionally scattered and unclear.
“I just had a bad night,” Biden explained regarding the debate. “I don’t know why.” He mentioned that he had been traveling, had a cold, and had even tested for COVID.
The critical question is whether Democratic officials and persuadable voters will accept this explanation and believe he is capable of another term. Biden asserts he is fit for the job, but his age is becoming more noticeable at a crucial time. Before the debate, expectations were low. Biden only needed to show some energy and vigor, but he failed to do so. Now, expectations are higher, and every public appearance, speech, and debate will be scrutinized.
- Biden’s Stubbornness
Biden reaffirmed that he is not withdrawing from the race, asserting that no one else could do the job as well or be a better candidate against Trump.
Biden dismissed questions about his political standing and doubts about his ability to lead or defeat Trump. “I’ve seen it from the press,” he said. “I don’t think the vast majority are there. I don’t believe that’s my approval rating.”
Understanding Biden’s refusal to step aside requires understanding his politics and personal resilience. He has faced numerous challenges both personally and politically, which have shaped him. Biden is accustomed to people doubting him, and he believes these naysayers have been wrong for a long time.
However, these challenges differ from his current one because, as the saying goes, Father Time is undefeated.
Historian Douglas Brinkley once said of former President George W. Bush, “Stubbornness is a positive quality of presidential leadership—if you’re right about what you’re stubborn about.” This sentiment applies to Biden or any president.
- The Role of Biden’s Closest Allies
Biden stated that only a divine intervention could force him out of the race — or possibly his closest allies in Democratic leadership.
“If the Lord Almighty came down and said, ‘Joe, get out of the race,’ I’d get out of the race,” Biden said. “The Lord Almighty’s not coming down.”
While divine intervention is unlikely, Biden seemed to leave open the possibility of exiting if key congressional allies, such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Jim Clyburn, and Senate leader Chuck Schumer, advised him to do so.
None of these allies have called for him to drop out. However, Pelosi recently acknowledged that it is legitimate to question whether Biden’s debate performance was an “episode” or a “condition.”
Stephanopoulos asked Biden, “If you are told reliably from your allies, from your friends and supporters in the Democratic Party in the House and Senate, that they’re concerned you’re going to lose the House and the Senate if you stay in, what will you do?”
Biden responded, “I’m not going to answer that question. It’s not going to happen.”
Thus, Biden’s future in the race is not solely his decision.
- Questions About Vice President Harris
Biden contended, “I don’t think anybody’s more qualified to be president or win this race than me.”
He later questioned who else has the “reach” with allies and can handle foreign policy as well as he can, despite his diminished capacity compared to a few years ago.
Stephanopoulos did not follow up on whether Biden believes Vice President Harris could win or do the job as well. Biden’s remarks raise questions about his confidence in Harris. Despite Biden’s public displays of support for Harris, such as raising her arm at a Fourth of July event, the doubts about his age make it worth considering whether he implicitly lacks confidence in Harris’s ability to win or govern.
- Biden’s Resilience and Self-Belief
Biden’s steadfast belief in his capabilities stems from a lifetime of overcoming obstacles. He has faced significant personal and political challenges, and his resilience has been a defining characteristic. This tenacity is evident in his refusal to step aside despite concerns about his age and performance.
Throughout his career, Biden has been told he couldn’t or shouldn’t do something, and he has consistently proved the doubters wrong. This deep-seated belief in his own resilience and abilities is a core part of who he is as a politician and person.
- The Impact on the Democratic Party
Biden’s decision to remain in the race has significant implications for the Democratic Party. His performance and public appearances will be closely scrutinized, and any perceived weaknesses could impact the party’s prospects in the upcoming elections.
The concerns about Biden’s age and performance are not just about his candidacy but also about the broader implications for the Democratic Party. If Biden’s campaign falters, it could have ripple effects on down-ballot races, potentially affecting the party’s control of the House and Senate.
Biden’s interview with Stephanopoulos highlighted key aspects of his candidacy: his age and performance issues, his stubbornness and resilience, the role of his closest allies, and the implications for the Democratic Party. Whether this interview will quell concerns about his candidacy remains to be seen, but it underscores the critical challenges he faces as he seeks another term in office.