In the early morning hours following a disastrous debate, President Biden’s campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, reached out to key supporters to acknowledge the poor performance but urged them not to panic. Despite the setback, the campaign was quick to reassure donors and supporters that nothing fundamentally changed about the election.
Top White House aides, including Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, made calls to Democratic leaders and held virtual pep talks with campaign staff to boost morale and dispel any doubts. The campaign went into overdrive in the 48 hours post-debate, engaging in a frenzied effort to salvage Mr. Biden’s candidacy and rally support from lawmakers, activists, and donors.
Following a series of campaign events across multiple states, President Biden took a break for a planned family gathering at Camp David. Joined by First Lady Jill Biden, their children, and grandchildren, the timing of the retreat added to the scrutiny surrounding the president’s next moves.
The intense efforts to stabilize the campaign following the debate showcased the determination and resilience of the Biden team as they faced unexpected challenges. Despite the rocky start, the campaign remained focused on pushing forward and fighting back against any setbacks that came their way. With the support of loyal allies and a strong family foundation, President Biden aimed to regain momentum and continue his journey towards the presidency.