Many inside the White House are filled with anxiety and unease about President Joe Biden’s political future following his disastrous debate performance. Staffers, from junior aides to seasoned officials, have been struggling to come to terms with Biden’s halting 90-plus minutes on the debate stage. TV screens inside the White House constantly show headlines casting doubt on Biden’s future, with some House Democratic ranking members even suggesting that Biden needs to step aside.
In the aftermath of the debate, senior administration officials have been checking in with their teams to offer emotional support and encourage them to continue the work of the Biden administration. Group texts among administration officials have been buzzing with rapid-fire exchanges about the latest gossip and headlines regarding the president’s future. One widely discussed topic of intrigue was the identity of a senior White House official who anonymously stated to The New York Times that they do not believe Biden should seek reelection.
Despite the buzz and speculation among staffers, many sources indicate that support for Biden’s candidacy remains intact among senior ranks at the White House for now. However, there is a sense of tenuousness surrounding that support, with one senior Democrat mentioning that once cracks start showing in that support, they could escalate rapidly. Biden’s chief of staff, Jeff Zients, held an all-staff call urging everyone to ignore the chatter and focus on their work, emphasizing the need for execution and pride in their efforts under the president’s leadership.
Nerves are high inside the White House as Biden faces what many Democrats believe could be a significant week for his presidency. There is a sense of uneasiness heading into this crucial period, with uncertainty looming over whether Biden will face a full revolt from lawmakers in his own party. Despite efforts to rally the team and maintain focus on the work at hand, the overall mood within the White House is one of apprehension about what lies ahead for the president’s political future. Staffers are encouraged to keep their heads down, focus on executing tasks, and remain proud of their work under Biden’s leadership.
