Despite a widely criticized performance in the first presidential debate, President Biden's campaign has highlighted record-breaking fundraising as a sign of strong supporter enthusiasm.
In the aftermath of President Biden's widely scrutinized performance in the first presidential debate against former President Trump, the Biden campaign has sought to deflect criticism by emphasizing record-breaking fundraising. The campaign has highlighted its ability to raise large sums of money during and after the debate as evidence of continued support for the president.
Biden, who at 81 is the oldest president in U.S. history, acknowledged his physical and cognitive limitations while addressing supporters at a rally in North Carolina following the debate. He stated that he "doesn't walk as easy" or "speak as smoothly" as he used to, but emphasized that he remains committed to serving as president.
Biden's Campaign Counters Debate Criticism with Record-Breaking Fundraising
Despite Biden's struggles with a raspy voice and rambling answers during portions of the debate, the campaign has highlighted his ability to sharpen his answers as the debate progressed and call out Trump's falsehoods. However, Biden's uneven performance has sparked calls from some political pundits and even some Democrats for him to step aside.
Top Biden allies have defended the president and criticized Trump for lying throughout the debate. The campaign has pointed to the $14 million raised on Thursday and Friday morning as a sign of strong grassroots support. The campaign has also highlighted that the single best hour of fundraising since its launch in April 2023 occurred after the debate.
Biden's Campaign Counters Debate Criticism with Record-Breaking Fundraising
A Biden campaign adviser has argued that the fundraising is a sign that there is a disconnect between national narratives and the support of the president's base. The campaign has emphasized that Biden's record grassroots fundraising is critical in countering criticism of his debate performance.
Biden's campaign has used the fundraising as a reminder that there is enthusiasm for the president and a sense of urgency to prevent Trump from returning to office. However, some Democratic strategists have questioned whether fundraising alone can reverse the damage done by Biden's performance and confirm suspicions about his age and cognitive abilities.
Biden's Campaign Counters Debate Criticism with Record-Breaking Fundraising
Despite the fundraising efforts, the Trump campaign has maintained its lead in battleground states. The Trump campaign has reported raising $8 million on the day of the debate, benefiting from the positive post-debate narrative.
Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley has stated that the donations reflect the enthusiasm generated by Trump's performance. Trump campaign senior adviser Chris LaCivita has described the debate as "added rocket fuel" for fundraising and motivating supporters.
Biden's Campaign Counters Debate Criticism with Record-Breaking Fundraising
Prominent Republican donor Dan Eberhart has expressed increased confidence in a Trump victory after the debate, indicating that donors are motivated to support the former president. The Biden campaign's fundraising efforts are seen as an attempt to counter the negative fallout from the debate, while the Trump campaign is capitalizing on the positive momentum.
