The Democratic Party is reportedly seeking to “further coalesce” around their candidate after his poor debate performance
The Democratic National Committee could formally nominate Joe Biden as their presidential candidate as early as July 21, aiming to quell concerns about his potential replacement following his underwhelming performance in a recent TV debate with his Republican rival Donald Trump.
Democrats had already planned to nominate Biden before their August convention, but the proposed “fortuitous” timing will allow the party to “silence internal discussions about replacing him” and to “further unify behind their nominee despite calls from some party members for him to step aside after his rocky June 27 debate performance,” Bloomberg reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The Democratic National Committee is set to hold several committee meetings between July 16-21 to finalize the rules and procedures for a virtual vote. Speaking to Fox News, two Democratic sources also confirmed July 21 as the potential date, which would be just three days after Trump is expected to receive his party’s nomination.
This election cycle’s first faceoff between Trump and Biden took place last Thursday in Atlanta, Georgia. Political observers have widely agreed that the 81-year-old US President failed to dispel the perception that he lacks the energy and mental sharpness necessary to lead the country for another four years.
The president’s team attributed his lackluster performance in the debate to a cold, over-preparation, and the failure of CNN moderators to fact-check Trump’s claims. When asked by journalists last week if Biden was planning to step aside, his campaign replied “of course not.”
Some Democrats have since, either publicly or in private conversations with journalists, suggested that Biden should end his campaign after his dismal performance. Reports have also emerged that some Democratic donors are demanding that Biden be removed as the party’s nominee for the November 5 election.
On Friday, Axios published the results of a poll by Morning Consult, which indicated that 60% of voters believe that Biden should “definitely” or “probably” be replaced as the Democratic presidential nominee.
However, the US president’s family, who reportedly are among the few who could persuade him to quit, urged him to remain in the race during a meeting on Sunday, CNN sources have claimed.