Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., acknowledged Sunday that there are “very honest, serious, serious talks” in the Democratic Party following President Joe Biden’s remarks. disappointing performance in Thursday’s presidential debate.
Raskin’s comments are a break from what top Democrats have said publicly in defense of the president, as they admit Biden had a “bad” debate but argue that doesn’t disqualify him from running for president.
“As President Biden and his campaign have acknowledged, I made it very clear during the debate on Thursday that this was an amazing performance. It was definitely a failure. But of course I believe that failure is nothing more than preparation for a comeback,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told MSNBC’s “The Weekend” on Sunday.
But privately, NBC News reported on SaturdayTop Democrats are worried about Biden’s campaign.
“We’re having a serious conversation about what we’re going to do,” Raskin said in an interview with MSNBC’s Ali Velshi on Sunday morning, adding, “What I can tell you is that regardless of what President Biden decides, our party is Unite and our party needs him at the center of our campaign discussions. and that’s why either he or someone else should be a candidate.”
Several deputies told NBC News on Friday It’s time to replace Biden as a candidate, including one who said it’s time to talk about an open convention and a new Democratic nominee, but none added names to their statements.
Biden senior adviser Anita Dunn during an interview on MSNBC’s “The Weekend” on Saturday he said Biden has not discussed dropping out of the race with his aides.
“The president will continue to be there. And he will explain why Donald Trump is a threat to this country and why there is a better way forward for Americans,” Dunn said.
Biden is in Camp David with his family this weekend, reuniting with loved ones after a tumultuous week and a dismal debate performance.
While the visit was planned before the debate, it was Biden is expected to discuss the future of the campaign with his family.