Weak TV duel against Trump Joe Biden's family allegedly against withdrawal from election campaign

Joe Biden is a family man - the opinion of his relatives is important to him. After his TV debacle, he and his wife Jill meet their children and grandchildren at the president's country estate.

DPA

01.07.2024, 05:53

02.07.2024, 14:46

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The family of US President Joe Biden is reportedly encouraging the 81-year-old to stay in the race for the White House following his debacle in the TV duel against challenger Donald Trump. At a family meeting at Camp David, the US president's country residence near Washington, his relatives offered the Democrat their "unreserved support", reported CNN, citing two unnamed advisors to Biden. The "New York Times " also wrote, citing people close to Biden, that his family is arguing that the Democrat should not give up despite his disastrous performance in the TV duel against the Republican Trump. Meanwhile, the debate about Biden's advanced age continues to gather pace.

Biden reunited with his family at the weekend after a series of campaign events at Camp David. The trip had been planned for some time. The White House tried to avoid giving the impression that this was a crisis meeting. Instead, a photo shoot with the famous photographer Annie Leibovitz was on the agenda - Biden's children and grandchildren traveled there especially for the occasion. Biden plans to return to the White House on Monday evening (local time). In addition to his appointments as US President, he has planned further receptions with Democratic Party donors.

Botched TV debateBiden tries to limit the damage

Report: Biden's family unhappy with advisors

Like his predecessor Trump, Biden is hoping to win the presidential election in November. So far, much has pointed to a close race. But after Biden's disastrous performance in the first TV duel on Thursday evening (local time), a debate has broken out in the USA about whether the Democrat is really still fit for the office or whether he should leave the field to a younger candidate. Biden has so far defied calls to withdraw and is trying to limit the damage. His wife Jill is also demonstratively backing the US President.

The news portal Politico has now reported that Biden's family was particularly upset with the Democrat's closest aides at Camp David. They were to blame for the president's failure in the debate, the report said, citing family members. Biden was not prepared to attack Trump more forcefully and was too focused on defending his record instead of outlining a vision for a second term. He was also overworked, the family is said to have criticized. According to Politico, a senior member of Biden's staff denied that the relatives' anger was directed at certain employees.

Three aspects stand outWhy Biden clearly lost the TV duel

Biden's advanced age is an ongoing issue

There have long been doubts about Biden's suitability for a second term in office due to his advanced age. If he wins the election in November, he would be 82 years old when he is sworn in in the new year. While the Democrats had hoped that Biden would show how fit he still is during the debate, the exact opposite happened: Biden lost his train of thought several times during the TV spectacle in front of an audience of millions, mumbled, stared into space with his mouth open and was often unable to finish his sentences properly.

Biden generally slips up regularly during appearances, and his stiff gait is always a topic of conversation. There are repeated reports that he allegedly cannot concentrate properly. The White House regularly contradicts this. At the weekend, the portal "Axios" reported, citing unnamed employees, that Biden is particularly fit between 10 am and 4 pm. This is why many public events are planned at this time of day. Outside of this time period, Biden tends to make promises, the report continued.

The Democratic Party is currently publicly backing him. However, if Biden's poll ratings deteriorate in the coming days, this could change quickly.