President Biden’s inner circle had been adamant that he was not too old to seek re-election, despite concerns raised by the media and Republicans. However, after a shaky debate performance against former President Trump, the White House can no longer avoid the issue. The Democratic Party is now in a state of alarm, forcing the president’s team to address his capacity directly.
Acknowledging his age and debating skills, Mr. Biden made a more forceful case for himself at a rally in Raleigh, N.C. His team received validation from Democratic allies like President Obama and Representative James E. Clyburn, rejecting calls for him to step aside for a younger candidate.
The fallout from the debate left many Democrats questioning why Mr. Biden’s team allowed him to run and perform poorly. Critics wondered why his closest advisors did not prepare him better for the challenges he faced. Despite warnings about his age, the president’s allies stood by him, dismissing concerns raised by others.
The contrasting displays of Mr. Biden’s energy and capabilities at the rally in Raleigh versus the debate in Atlanta raised further questions about his candidacy. The Democratic Party faced a moment of reckoning, with some members expressing deep concerns about his ability to lead.
The debate performance triggered a Democratic freakout, with many calling it a “nightmare” and a “disaster.” Mr. Biden’s team tried to downplay the concerns and focus on the overall race. Despite calls for him to step aside, there were no discussions about changing course within the campaign.
Questions about Mr. Biden’s age and fitness for office have been a recurring theme. His closest advisors have not openly addressed these concerns with him, opting to support his decision to run again. The lack of a candid conversation about the implications of his age has raised eyebrows among Democrats.
Mr. Biden’s circle of advisors, made up of long-time loyalists, has been hesitant to broach the subject of his age with him. The decision to run for re-election was largely driven by his own determination, with little input from his inner circle. His aides deeply respect and admire him, making it challenging to have difficult conversations about his age and capabilities.
With limited peers and mentors to provide guidance, Mr. Biden’s closest advisors tread carefully when it comes to sensitive issues like his age. Family members, particularly his wife Jill Biden and sister Valerie Biden Owens, are seen as the only ones who could influence him on such a significant decision.
