Biden to address concerns with Democratic governors post-debate

In response to growing discontent within the Democratic Party following his lackluster debate performance against Donald Trump, President Joe Biden is set to engage in discussions with governors and Capitol Hill leaders this week. During a campaign event in Virginia, Biden attributed his weak showing at the debate to extensive international travel, admitting he did not heed his staff's advice and nearly fell asleep on stage. A Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that one in three Democrats believe Biden should end his re-election campaign after the lackluster debate in Atlanta. Amid calls for Biden to step aside, House Democratic members are reportedly preparing to urge the President to withdraw from the race. Representative Doggett openly expressed disappointment in Biden's debate performance, suggesting that the President should follow in the footsteps of Lyndon Johnson and decline the party's nomination. Despite the Biden campaign's efforts to downplay the debate as a singular event, there are murmurs of discontent within Democratic ranks, with some governors feeling neglected by the President. Democratic governors, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, have expressed concerns about Biden's debate performance and the lack of a clear strategy moving forward. Following a call with Walz, the governors requested a meeting with Biden to seek reassurance and discuss the President's next steps. White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients is also set to hold a staff call to address the challenges faced after the debate, emphasizing the need for unity and resilience within the administration. As pressure mounts on Biden to address the fallout from the debate, the upcoming meetings with governors and Capitol Hill leaders are crucial for the President to regain confidence within his party and reassure key stakeholders of his competence. The discussions will likely focus on strategies to counter the negative impressions left by the debate and chart a path forward for the Biden-Harris Administration amidst internal turmoil and external scrutiny.