Key Dem Governors Seek Meeting With Biden Amid Growing Outcry Over Lack of Communication
- Key Democratic governors are seeking a meeting with Biden due to a growing outcry over his lack of communication.
- Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota will visit the White House following Biden's poor debate performance.
- Democrats are questioning President Biden's future in the race amid calls for him to drop out.
In recent developments, concerns have been raised within the Democratic Party regarding President Biden's physical and mental state following his performance in Thursday's debate. Reports suggest that some Democrats feel the White House and Biden's campaign have shielded him from public scrutiny to avoid criticism related to his age. While only one Democratic lawmaker has called for Biden to drop out, a group of 25 House Democrats are reportedly preparing to urge him to step aside in the race. These concerns were further fueled by a New York Times article citing multiple sources who claim that the Biden seen in the debate is increasingly reflective of his behavior behind closed doors, with instances of disorientation and exhaustion noted alongside moments of clarity. Despite this, Governors Beshear and Pritzker have expressed support for Biden's policies and refrained from calling for his withdrawal during their recent interviews with CNN. The meeting between President Biden and the governors comes in the midst of growing pressure from some elected officials and party members for Biden to address doubts about his capability to lead effectively. Biden himself acknowledged a decline in his debating skills and attributed his raspy voice during the debate to a sore throat, mentioning fatigue from recent trips. Concerns about Biden's demeanor were also raised by an official who observed him at a White House event, describing a noticeable decline in his physical state that reportedly surprised European leaders. In response to the reports, the White House has requested aides to provide insights into their interactions with Biden. The situation has prompted discussions about Biden's ability to engage in high-stakes diplomatic meetings, such as with Russian President Putin. As Governor Walz prepares for his meeting with Biden at the White House, the president faces mounting pressure to address concerns about his performance and reassure party members, donors, and voters about his readiness for the job.