President Biden addressed Democratic Party concerns following a disastrous debate performance against former President Trump, emphasizing his ability to get things done despite physical limitations. His campaign highlighted record-breaking fundraising after the debate, indicating grassroots support. Despite struggling with a raspy voice and delivering rambling answers during the debate, Biden sharpened his responses and called out Trump for falsehoods. Calls for Biden to step aside as the Democratic standard-bearer emerged, but his allies defended him and criticized Trump for lying. The campaign noted a surge in fundraising following the debate, indicating support among donors.
Biden further demonstrated his resilience and commitment to his campaign during a post-debate rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he emphasized his belief in his ability to do the job as president. He and First Lady Jill Biden participated in the grand opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York City, coinciding with Pride weekend. The president headlined a campaign fundraiser in New York City, touted as the largest LGBTQ fundraising event in political history. Subsequent events were planned in East Hampton, New York, and Red Bank, New Jersey, to continue fundraising efforts and maintain momentum following the debate.
While Biden’s record grassroots fundraising was seen as a positive signal amidst criticism of his debate performance, some believed that financial support alone would not be enough to overcome concerns about his abilities as president. Despite the campaign’s focus on fundraising, a Democratic strategist warned that no amount of money could reverse the damage done by Biden’s debate performance. In contrast, the Trump campaign saw a surge in donations following the debate, with key battleground states showing increased enthusiasm and support for the GOP nominee. The former president’s fundraising efforts received a boost from the debate, with donors expressing confidence in a Trump victory.
Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley and Trump campaign senior adviser Chris LaCivita highlighted the enthusiasm and support generated by Trump’s debate performance. This added motivation from donors, particularly small-dollar online contributions, reflected confidence in the former president’s campaign. Prominent Republican donor Dan Eberhart noted increased support for Trump following the debate, indicating a shift among donors towards backing the GOP nominee. The Trump campaign’s fundraising success, coupled with the post-debate narrative, demonstrated strong momentum and support for the former president’s reelection bid.
Overall, the aftermath of the debate between President Biden and former President Trump highlighted the resilience and fundraising strength of both campaigns. While Biden faced criticism for his debate performance, his campaign emphasized grassroots support and continued fundraising efforts. In contrast, the Trump campaign saw a surge in donations and increased enthusiasm following the debate, reflecting growing confidence among donors and supporters. The fundraising success of both campaigns, along with the political narratives that emerged from the debate, set the stage for a competitive and intense presidential campaign leading up to the 2024 election.