White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre held a news briefing as Democratic Party lawmakers continue to react to President Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance, forcing them to grapple with a crisis that could upend the presidential election and change the course of American history.
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Jean-Pierre was asked during her briefing with reporters whether Biden would consider stepping down. "Absolutely not," she said.
"I cannot lay out something that would change the president's mind," Jean-Pierre said about Biden continuing to seek a second term. She added that he "is clear-eyed. And he is staying in the race."
The Democratic president has signaled he has no intention of dropping out of the race against Donald Trump despite the halting and uneven debate delivery that threw a spotlight on questions about Biden's age and capacity to be president. But as Democrats make the case that the stakes of the election are momentous — challenging no less than the foundations of American democracy itself — they are wrestling with how to approach the 81-year-old who is supposed to be leading the charge for their party.
Some are concerned that Biden's weaknesses could tamp down potential voters' enthusiasm, creating a ripple effect that hurts Democrats as they try to hold on to a narrow Senate majority and take back control of the House. Down-ballot Democrats are already confident they can outperform Biden in swing races, but if large numbers of voters reject Biden, it could also impact them.
Biden planned to speak with congressional leaders this week, the White House said Tuesday. Jean-Pierre said Tuesday they respected the opinions and thoughts of concerned party members, adding, "that's what makes this party different than the other side."
Many of Biden's allies have chided the news media for being fixated on Biden's mental capacities, arguing that instead the focus should be put on Trump's record of refusing to accept the results of the 2020 election and repeatedly making false statements.
Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri contributed to this report.