The Biden administration is currently navigating a challenging period, facing tough calls from donors while former President Donald Trump seeks to delay his sentencing after a recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity. The political landscape is fraught with tension as both leaders grapple with significant legal and political hurdles.
In the wake of a disastrous debate performance, President Joe Biden’s team has been working to reassure top Democratic donors and fundraisers. Senior campaign officials, including campaign senior adviser Jen O’Malley Dillon and deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks, held a call with hundreds of top Democratic donors to address concerns and mitigate panic. The campaign emphasized that early polls showed little damage from the debate, urging donors to remain calm and continue their support.
However, the reassurances have not been entirely convincing. Some donors expressed doubts about Biden’s ability to continue his campaign and serve another term, given his age and recent performance. One donor mentioned redirecting their contributions to outside get-out-the-vote groups if Biden remains in the race, highlighting the growing unease within the party.
Adding to the pressure, Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley and former Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan have publicly suggested that Biden should consider stepping aside. Quigley emphasized the potential long-term implications of Biden’s decision, while Ryan advocated for Vice President Kamala Harris to take the lead, arguing that she could energize the base and attract young voters.
Meanwhile, Trump is seeking to challenge his hush-money verdict following the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity. His lawyers have requested a delay in his sentencing, scheduled for later this month, to allow time to argue that the conviction should be overturned. The former president was convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush-money payment before the 2016 election.
In a recent address, Biden denounced the Supreme Court’s decision to grant Trump broad immunity from criminal charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Biden called the ruling a “dangerous precedent” that undermines the rule of law and equality before the law. He echoed the dissenting opinion of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, emphasizing that no one, not even the president, is above the law.
The Biden campaign’s efforts to downplay the political fallout from the debate have been met with mixed reactions. While some campaign officials dismissed concerns about polling erosion, others within the party are privately questioning whether Biden should remain on the ticket. The campaign’s message that there has been no significant change in polling has not fully alleviated the anxiety among donors and party members.
James Carville, a prominent Democratic strategist, has also called for change within the party. He suggested that former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton should help persuade Biden to step aside and support an open nomination convention to select a new candidate. Carville emphasized the need for the party to listen to the public’s desire for new leadership and to harness the talent within the Democratic ranks.
Despite the internal turmoil, Biden’s campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, defended the president’s health and capability during the donor call. She acknowledged Biden’s age but argued that he is in better health than most people and capable of handling the demands of the presidency. She also drew parallels to Obama’s poor performance in his first debate with Mitt Romney in 2012, suggesting that incumbents often struggle in initial debates.
As the Biden team works to shore up support, the president has scheduled meetings with Democratic governors to reinforce his position. This move is seen as an attempt to reassure party leaders and demonstrate his commitment to continuing his reelection campaign.
On the other side, Trump’s legal team is focused on leveraging the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling to challenge his conviction. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for Trump’s political future and the broader legal landscape.
In summary, both Biden and Trump are navigating complex challenges as they seek to solidify their positions. Biden’s team is working to reassure donors and party members amid growing calls for new leadership, while Trump is attempting to overturn his conviction in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling. The political landscape remains highly dynamic, with significant developments expected in the coming weeks.
Source: The Guardian, CNN, Reuters, AP
