President Joe Biden’s shaky debate performance has sparked concern among Democrats about his ability to win re-election in 2024. Some are even calling for him to be replaced on the ticket. However, Biden’s opponent, former President Donald Trump, seems to be hoping that Biden will stay in the race.
Donald Trump set a new record for the most lies told in a single debate. pic.twitter.com/XEbMz0vqgx
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 1, 2024
Trump and his advisers believe they can beat Biden, despite Trump’s own legal challenges.
Quentin Fulks, Biden-Harris 2024 spokesperson: Joe Biden is a fighter. He is going to keep fighting and he is going to keep talking about the vision that he has. On the other side, Donald Trump is doing none of that. Trump is not out on the campaign trail. He's not talking about… pic.twitter.com/KuCfa02Nw0
— Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) July 3, 2024
“I’m going to show up and I’m going to campaign whether it’s him or somebody else,” Trump said in a radio interview. “We’re beating him badly in the polls, but nobody else is doing any better.”
The Trump campaign’s message to supporters after the debate was that Democrats are stuck with Biden as their nominee.
.@adrienneelrod: Donald Trump told so many lies on that debate stage. A lot of voters have major concerns about the lies Trump told on that stage. He lied about January 6. He lied about women's reproductive rights and Roe. Joe Biden is the only person who has defeated Trump and… pic.twitter.com/qDRvbIO3Rr
— Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) July 2, 2024
They believe Biden’s poor performance will allow them to create damaging campaign ads. Biden’s campaign insists he remains committed to running. In June, Biden raised $127 million, ending the month with $240 million in cash on hand.
President Biden addresses the debate at a fundraiser in Virginia, according to the pool:
POTUS admitted that he did not have a good debate, said he "wasn't very smart" for "traveling around the world a couple times" before the debate.
"I decided to travel around the world a…
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) July 2, 2024
This compares to Trump’s $111.8 million raised and $285 million in the bank. The Trump campaign is also preparing for the possibility of Democrats trying to replace Biden. They argue that replacing him post-primary would be a threat to democracy and voters’ rights.
Biden debate stumbles energize Trump
Some strategists believe Trump should stay out of the Democrats’ troubles. “We like to live by the rule that when your opponent is in the process of committing suicide, it’s best to stay out of the way,” said Ralph Reed, chairman of the Faith and Freedom Coalition.
Trump remains largely silent on the issue, with some advisers suggesting he delay his vice-presidential announcement to let Democrats stew. Potential running mates include Sen. J.D. Vance and Sen.
Marco Rubio. While Democrats panic over Biden’s campaign viability, Trump has celebrated favorable developments, such as a Supreme Court decision that could eliminate his criminal jeopardy. His lawyers have secured delays in his sentencing for his felony conviction.
Trump’s campaign staff is advised to stay focused and not become overconfident. Radio host John Fredericks said, “Right now the entire Biden reelection campaign is in a complete free fall. All you have to do is get out of the way.
Let them implode.”
