USA Media: Biden's family against withdrawal from election campaign

The family of US President Joe Biden is reportedly encouraging the 81-year-old to stay in the race for the White House after his debacle in the TV duel against challenger Donald Trump. At a family meeting at Camp David, the US president's country residence near Washington, his relatives offered the Democrat their "unreserved support", reported CNN, citing two unnamed advisors to Biden. The "New York Times" also wrote, citing people close to Biden, that his family is pleading for the Democrat not to give up despite his much-criticized appearance in the TV duel against the Republican Trump.

Biden reunited with his family at the weekend after a series of campaign events at Camp David. The trip had been planned for some time. The White House tried to avoid giving the impression that this was a crisis meeting. Instead, a photo shoot with the famous photographer Annie Leibovitz was on the agenda - Biden's children and grandchildren traveled there especially for the occasion.

Report: Biden's family unhappy with advisors

Like his predecessor Trump, Biden is hoping to win the presidential election in November. So far, there have been many indications of a close race, but Biden's critics believe that his disastrous performance in the first TV duel on Thursday evening (local time) confirms their view that the Democrat is no longer suitable for the office and would be better off leaving the field to a younger candidate. The debate has rapidly gained momentum, but Biden has so far defied such claims and is trying to limit the damage. His wife Jill is also demonstratively backing the US President.

The "Politico" portal has now reported that Biden's family was particularly upset with the Democrat's closest aides at Camp David. They were to blame for the president's failure in the debate, it was said, citing the family's entourage. Biden had not been prepared to attack Trump more and had focused too much on defending his record instead of outlining a vision for a second term. He was also overworked, the family is said to have criticized. According to Politico, a senior member of Biden's staff denied that the family's anger was directed at certain employees.

There have long been doubts about Biden's suitability for a second term in office due to his advanced age. If he wins the election in November, he would be 82 years old when he is sworn in in the new year. While the Democrats had hoped that Biden would show how fit he still is during the debate, the exact opposite happened: Biden lost his train of thought several times during the TV spectacle in front of an audience of millions, mumbled, stared into space with his mouth open and was often unable to finish his sentences properly.

The Democratic Party is currently publicly backing him. However, if Biden's poll ratings deteriorate in the coming days, this could change quickly.

SDA