When President Joe Biden told George Stephanopoulos more than a week after his poor debate performance that only “the Lord Almighty” could make him drop out of the 2024 presidential race, some Democrats were furious.
Biden’s response was interpreted as a clear message that nothing — not even unfavorable polls — could change his mind.
A Biden ally who has spoken with the president several times since the June 27 debate told CNN that since the ABC News interview, specific concerns about these comments have been conveyed to the president.
“Are you really so inflexible that even if we brought you compelling research, you wouldn’t change?” is how the ally described the feedback that was shared with Biden. And it was emphasized to the president, they said, that “it’s important for him to continue to show openness.”
That may help explain why – when asked at a NATO summit press conference Thursday night (11) whether he would reconsider his decision if he were presented with data showing Vice President Kamala Harris would fare better against Donald Trump – Biden was a bit more open than in his initial response to Stephanopoulos.
“No,” Biden said. “Unless they came back and said there was no way I was going to win.”
The source acknowledged that Biden has heard the criticism of his “Lord Almighty” comments and appears to be changing his approach as he tries to temper his “You’re not going to push me away” instinct.
“He has heard that this firmness of determination has been misinterpreted by people and he is not an arrogant man,” says the source, adding: “he was genuinely surprised” by the criticism.
The only dynamic this source believes could change Biden’s mind is if Democratic governors and senators came to him with strong, credible polls showing a shocking collapse in support, and if fundraising and donations declined dramatically.
While some post-debate polls show movement toward Trump, the Biden campaign has focused more on polls that show him within the margin of error, especially the recent NPR/PBS/Marist poll that shows Biden and Trump in a tight race within the margin of error.
Source: CNN Brasil
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