Washington D.C. – The aftermath of the recent presidential debate between President Biden and former President Donald Trump has sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers. While some, like Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly, acknowledged that it wasn’t Biden’s best night, others, such as Pennsylvania Rep. Madeleine Dean, expressed disappointment in the president’s performance, labeling it as “bad” and unequivocally stating that he had a “bad debate.”

Reflecting on the debate, Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig described it as “terrible” and admitted to still processing what had transpired. Despite the criticisms towards Biden’s raspy delivery and verbal stumbles during the debate, many congressional Democrats are not ready to abandon their support for him. Longtime Biden ally Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina urged fellow Democrats to “Stay the course” and emphasized focusing on Biden’s record and substance rather than his stylistic challenges.

Considering the strategic implications of the debate, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pointed out the contrast of integrity versus dishonesty between Biden and Trump during the event. Former President Barack Obama also weighed in, highlighting the crucial choice in the election between a candidate who fights for ordinary citizens and one focused solely on personal benefit. Emphasizing the stakes in November, Obama underscored the importance of the election outcome.

The debate fallout saw varying responses from Democratic lawmakers, with some expressing uncertainties about Biden’s future, while others like Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan emphasized the need to observe further developments before making judgments. While some lawmakers raised concerns about Biden’s performance, others like Rep. Robert Garcia of California remained staunch in their support, reassuring that Biden will undoubtedly be the nominee.

In the wake of the debate, discussions within the Democratic National Committee (DNC) shed light on fundraising efforts and grassroots campaigns, diverting attention away from Biden’s debate performance. Despite internal deliberations, the Biden campaign maintained its strategy and dispelled speculations about Biden stepping aside. Addressing supporters in North Carolina, Biden acknowledged his shortcomings, highlighting his commitment to truthfulness and the challenges of age, but reiterated his dedication to the American people.