Biden's Campaign Chief Admits Tough Weeks Amid Multiple Setbacks
The Biden campaign is scrambling to uplift its team following a rocky stretch that has spurred calls for the president to consider exiting the 2024 race.
This effort to rally morale comes as both White House and campaign staffers express growing concerns over Biden's recent dip in poll numbers, as Fox News reports.
Biden Campaign Faces New Challenges
In a candid conversation with staffers, Biden's campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon acknowledged the campaign has endured two particularly challenging weeks.
O'Malley Dillon described this period as "very, very, very hard weeks" and openly admitted to the difficulties faced. The morale among the team has noticeably dipped, reflecting a broader sentiment of demoralization and misery among both White House and campaign staff.
Amid these internal challenges, media speculation has been rife with the possibility of replacing Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate.
This has been fueled by Biden's recent poor debate performance, which has led to increasing calls for him to withdraw from the race. O'Malley Dillon's comments underscore the sense of crisis within the campaign: "I told you I'd level with you, they've been bad f---ing weeks."
In her address, O'Malley Dillon emphasized the resilience necessary to overcome the current challenges. She highlighted Biden's perseverance and fighting spirit, as noted by his political advisor, Mike Donilon. According to O'Malley Dillon, Donilon remarked on Biden's resilience, stating that Biden has faced numerous adversities and continues to fight daily.
Poll Numbers Raise Concerns
Adding to the campaign's woes, recent polling data has raised alarms within the team. A critical poll in Wisconsin showed former President Donald Trump leading Biden by a margin of 50% to 45% among likely voters, as conducted by Fabrizio Ward and Impact Research. This revelation has amplified concerns, particularly in key battleground states where Biden's numbers appear to be slipping.
Notwithstanding these concerns, O'Malley Dillon attempted to provide a sobering perspective on the polling data. She acknowledged some slippage in Biden's numbers but emphasized that the race remains tightly contested.
"We definitely saw a little bit of slippage, but nothing significant, nothing massive, no bottom falling out," she commented. The campaign describes the race as still within the margin of error.
Moreover, O'Malley Dillon explained that what public polls have shown aligns closely with the campaign's internal data.
Stressing the importance of perspective, she sought to reassure the staff that despite current challenges, the campaign is still very much in the race, saying, "What we are seeing in our polls...is what we are seeing in the last couple days...this is still a margin of error race."
Calls for Biden to Withdraw Intensify
The intensified scrutiny on Biden's campaign has not only impacted internal morale but has also led to public calls for reconsideration of his candidacy. Following the poor debate performance, there has been a significant increase in voices urging Biden to step down. These calls, combined with polling challenges, have put the campaign in a precarious position.
The credibility of Biden as the Democratic nominee has come into question, compelling the campaign to address these concerns head-on. O'Malley Dillon sought to revitalize the team's spirit by urging them to focus on the bigger picture and the end goal. She remarked, "If we can get through these two weeks that we're living through, we can get through anything."
Despite the calls for Biden to withdraw, the campaign maintains that his resilience and determination remain undeterred. The broader message being communicated to staff is one of perseverance and sustained effort, even in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Biden campaign is making concerted efforts to uplift its staff amid a challenging couple of weeks marked by poor debate performance and adverse polling data.
With calls for Biden to withdraw gaining traction, campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon has been candid about the rough patch but emphasizes resilience and the close nature of the race.
Internal and external polling continue to show a margin of error race, adding to the campaign's tense atmosphere as it navigates these turbulent times.