Biden Huddles with Democratic Governors as Campaign Jitters Rattle Party
A Wednesday afternoon meeting at the White House had all the trappings of a political pressure cooker. Fresh off a debate performance that left even his staunchest allies wincing, President Biden, flanked by Vice President Harris, found himself face-to-face with a room full of Democratic governors. The message? Concern, with a capital “C.”
Governors Toe the Line, But Tensions Simmer
In the carefully orchestrated aftermath of the meeting, a parade of governors stepped forward to offer public reassurances. Minnesota’s Tim Walz, never one to mince words, admitted the debate was a “bad hit” but doubled down on his belief that Biden is “fit for office.” He touted the President’s track record, a clear attempt to steer the narrative back to firmer ground.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro chimed in, describing a meeting where concerns were aired and addressed. “Honest” and “candid” were the buzzwords of the day, hinting at a frank exchange behind closed doors. And New York’s Kathy Hochul, never one to shy away from a fight, threw her full support behind Biden, declaring he’s “in it to win it.”
Inside the Room: A President on the Ropes?
Sources say the emergency huddle was prompted by a flurry of calls from anxious governors, led by Walz, who were caught off guard by the radio silence from the Biden camp after the debate debacle. The mood, according to those present, was a far cry from the celebratory atmosphere of campaign rallies.
Biden, reportedly subdued and reflective, is said to have acknowledged his less-than-stellar debate showing, attributing it to a moment of, shall we say, “selective listening” to his own inner voice. He emphasized his unwavering commitment to sending Trump packing back to Mar-a-Lago and beyond, but it’s clear the President was on the hot seat, seeking advice and perhaps a much-needed dose of reassurance from the very people on the front lines of electoral politics.