Rep. Lloyd Doggett becomes first Democratic lawmaker to call on Biden to drop out after debate
CBSJun 19
Biden Meeting With Democratic Governors About Reelection Run
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The Facts
US Pres. Joe Biden was set Wednesday to meet with several Democratic governors to discuss his reelection campaign amid growing concerns about his capacity to stay in the race following last week’s debate with former Pres. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee.
Among the nine who traveled to the White House were Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. Multiple other governors will join virtually.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
While Biden has exhibited normal signs of aging, it's important for Democrats to unite around him and focus all their efforts on preventing a second Trump term. Biden's administration has pushed many policies that help the American people, and his party can’t betray him now. Biden will be the Democratic nominee, and all resources should be devoted to helping him, not replacing him.
Republican narrative
Biden’s cognitive decline has been obvious for years, yet the Democrats refused to hold a legitimate primary, denying voters the opportunity to select a new candidate. Now, they're looking to replace Biden in a secretive process involving party insiders and governors. After years of claiming to fight for democracy, the Democratic Party seems to have cast it aside.
Narrative C
It's about time Democrats put their strong personal affinity for Biden aside and acknowledge that it's time for a new leader. Biden’s debate performance confirmed the uncomfortable truth about his mental decline, and polls show he's unlikely to beat Trump. Democrats stood behind Biden as long as they could, but it's time to move on with a new nominee.