By Jordan Meadows
Staff Writer
President Biden’s visit to Raleigh’s NC State Fairgrounds in the Jim Graham Building on Friday came after a disappointing debate performance that prompted some Democrats to discuss his potential removal from the ticket openly.
Despite his age being under the spotlight more than ever, Biden delivered a spirited campaign speech to approximately 2,000 supporters, aimed at easing concerns within his party. During the event, Biden addressed false claims made by Trump during the debate and acknowledged his subpar performance which had caused anxiety among some Democrats.
“I know I’m not a young man,” Biden said to cheers. “I don’t walk as easily as I used to. I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to. I don’t debate as well as I used to, but I know what I do know: I know how to tell the truth!”
He continued, “I know right from wrong. And I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done. And I know like millions of Americans know, when you get knocked down you get back up!”
Following Thursday’s 90-minute debate, Biden’s raspy and confused demeanor raised questions about his age and fitness to serve another four years as commander-in-chief. While his campaign attributed his condition to a cold, the event underscored broader concerns within his party.
Criticism of his abilities from cable news panels, opinion columnists, and other left-leaning media outlets, like the New York Times, have also speculated about potential replacements for him as the nominee. like Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, California Governor Gavin Newsom, or Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
However, elected Democratic leaders have not publicly opposed Biden’s candidacy and have said that they support whatever decision he ultimately makes, including former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and South Carolina Representative Jim Clyburn.
President Biden attended several events and fundraisers after the debate, likely aiming to recover from his performance. After this miniature tour, he spent the rest of the weekend at Camp David with his family discussing potential next steps. Both President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have publicly stated his intention to remain in the race.
“I would not be running again if I did not believe with all my heart and soul that I can do this job,” Biden said.
The campaign announced Friday morning that it experienced its most successful grassroots fundraising hours of this election cycle just before and after the debate — raising nearly $30 million.
During his address, Biden reaffirmed his stance on issues such as abortion and the economy, emphasizing his belief that former President Donald Trump’s policies are detrimental to the country.
“When I’ve thought about his 34 felony convictions, his sexual assault on a woman in a public place, his being fined $400 million for business fraud, I thought to myself, “Donald Trump isn’t just a convicted felon. Donald Trump is a one-man crime wave’,” which was followed by “Lock him up!” chants from the crowd.
Accompanying the president in Raleigh were NC Governor Roy Cooper, NC Attorney General Josh Stein, and First Lady Jill Biden. Among the attendees were Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams and various state and local party representatives. Rappers Fat Joe and E-40 also performed before the president spoke.
Post-debate polls have not yet indicated a significant shift in either direction, a factor closely monitored by the Biden campaign as the President weighs his decision on whether to run again before the party’s convention in Chicago in August.
