In the wake of a challenging debate, President Biden’s campaign reassures supporters, planning fund redirection to Vice President Kamala Harris if Biden exits the race.
Fox News reported that following President Joe Biden’s lackluster performance in last week’s presidential debate, his campaign has been in intense damage control mode. A series of phone calls to top donors was promptly organized by Biden's senior campaign officials to stabilize support and manage the increasing uncertainties surrounding his candidacy.
In one critical phone call on Sunday, a senior official addressed donors’ concerns by outlining a contingency plan: should Biden decide to withdraw from the race, all raised funds would be transferred in support of Vice President Kamala Harris.
This revelation comes amidst wavering confidence from some of Biden’s top financial backers, a few of whom have even requested refunds.
The response to the debate saw a multitude of reactions within the Democratic ranks, from concerns voiced by national party members about Biden’s overall candidacy to discussions about the effectiveness of his debate preparation. The debate’s reception prompted several urgent discussions among Biden’s family, close aides, and donors about the responsibility and strategy moving forward.
During another planned call, set for the following Monday, Campaign Chair Jennifer O'Malley Dillon intends to further address these issues.
The campaign's damage control efforts highlight the significant uphill battle the team faces in shoring up confidence moving forward.
Kevin Munoz, a Biden campaign spokesman, emphasized the long-standing relationship Biden has with his aides, who have supported him through past victories and challenges, stating, "The aides who prepped the President have been with him for years, often decades. He maintains strong confidence in them."
Despite the turmoil behind the scenes, President Biden portrayed resilience and a forward-looking attitude during a weekend fundraiser in New Jersey.
He openly acknowledged his debate struggles but remained adamant about his continued commitment to the race. "I didn’t have a great night, but I’m going to be fighting harder," Biden declared to his supporters, reinforcing his intention to vigorously continue his campaign efforts.
Additionally, at the same event, Biden offered a silver lining from the debate’s research analytics. He highlighted the effectiveness of his campaign's message compared to that of former President Donald Trump, particularly regarding the engagement of undecided voters.
According to Biden, "Research during the debate shows us converting more undecided and showing more about us than Trump did, in large part because of his conduct on Jan. 6." Biden used this opportunity to frame his debate performance within the context of Trump’s controversial history, betting on long-term strategy over short-term setbacks.
As the Biden campaign navigates these turbulent waters, the mix of strategic reassurances and candid admissions serves a dual purpose: to stabilize the immediate fallout and to lay the groundwork for enduring support.
This approach not only addresses the immediate concerns arising from Biden's debate performance but also attempts to redirect the narrative toward a more positive outlook.
By acknowledging his weak debate performance while emphasizing his strengths and the negatives of his competitor, Biden hopes to regain momentum. The strategy of potentially transitioning campaign support to Vice President Harris also telegraphs a unified front within the Democratic Party, showing preparedness for all eventualities.
In conclusion, amidst rising doubts and strategic shifts, President Biden and his campaign team face the dual task of restoring donor confidence and recalibrating their campaign message.
The contingency plan regarding the redirection of funds to Vice President Harris highlights both an unprecedented step and a strategic maneuver to solidify support within the party ranks. As the campaign moves forward, the integration of honest admissions with a robust fighting spirit underscores the dynamic and resilient nature of Biden’s 2024 campaign trail.