Can he salvage what he caused?
President Joe Biden made a pivotal appearance on Friday in Wisconsin, where he held a rally before sitting down for his first televised interview since a widely criticized debate performance last week. This interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos is seen as a critical moment that could determine the fate of Biden’s embattled candidacy. Democrats across the board, including elected officials, donors, and voters, are closely watching to assess whether Biden can perform effectively in a challenging setting and reaffirm his position as the party’s nominee for the upcoming election against Donald Trump.
In a preview clip aired on ABC’s “World News Tonight,” Biden took full responsibility for his debate performance, acknowledging that any shortcomings were his alone. The full interview, scheduled as a primetime special airing at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, will also provide an unedited transcript for public review the same day.
Before the interview, Biden addressed a supportive crowd at a campaign rally in Madison, Wisconsin, where he confidently declared, “I’m staying in the race.” The event featured speeches from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Rep. Mark Pocan, and other Democratic leaders.
Despite calls from some quarters for Biden to step aside and questions about his ability to mount a robust campaign against Trump, Biden has remained steadfast in his commitment to continue. He reassured his campaign staff and supporters that he is in the race until the end, emphasizing his determination to win.
Privately, however, sources close to Biden indicate he is grappling with internal debates about the best course of action amidst mounting pressures. The upcoming interview and subsequent polling data will be crucial in assessing public sentiment and the impact of Biden’s candidacy on down-ballot races for Congress.
As Biden prepares to face Stephanopoulos, allies stress the importance of more unscripted engagements to showcase his leadership capabilities beyond prepared speeches. At 81, Biden faces ongoing scrutiny over his communication skills but maintains a focus on contrasting his vision for the country with what he describes as the dangers posed by Trump’s presidency.
In the broader political landscape, Biden’s interview with Stephanopoulos is likened to significant moments in presidential campaign history, echoing the pivotal interviews of past candidates in critical junctures.
