Biden seeks to reassure donors he is fully prepared to defeat Trump

AP Photo/Matt Kelley

US President and Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden attends fundraising events in New York on Saturday, June 29, in an attempt to allay donor concerns. The 81-year-old president's performance at the first presidential debate on Thursday caused concern among many Democrats, who see Trump as an existential threat to American democracy in the wake of the events of January 6, 2021.

Biden's confusion of answers and his failure to respond to Trump prompted the editors The New York Times said Friday that he should drop out of the race and that remaining in it would be a “reckless gamble,” reports  Associated Press agency.

Biden and his wife, Jill, plan to campaign in East Hampton, a Long Island beach town where the median home price is $1.9 million, according to real estate firm Zillow. An evening fundraiser is scheduled later in Red Bank, New Jersey.

Biden was more energetic in his appearances in North Carolina and New York on Friday. He stated that “with all my heart and soul” believes he can handle the presidency.

Biden's campaign said it raised more than $27 million on Thursday and Friday, including $3 million at an event in New York.

Jill Biden told supporters Friday that her husband told her after the debate: “Jill, I don't know what happened. I didn't feel very good.” The First Lady said she told him, “Look, Joe, we're not going to let 90 minutes define the four years you've been president.”

The Democratic president has yet to allay the fears that have filled the public consciousness thanks to videos and memes that have gone viral online, as well as public pressure for him to step aside.

Democratic donors from New York, Southern California and Silicon Valley privately expressed deep concern about the viability of Biden's campaign following his debate performance.

In text message chains and private conversations, they discussed a short list of possible replacement candidates, including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris.

There was no official effort Friday to force Biden to resign. Many suspect there will be none at all, given the logistical challenges of replacing a candidate to lead the party just four months before Election Day.

Some donors have indicated they plan to pause their personal donations. However, fundraising receipts for this weekend are almost certain to be strong, as tickets were sold and paid for before the debate began.

Prepared by: Sergei Daga