Following CNN’s Jake Tapper’s report that President Joe Biden had not yet reached out to Democratic governors after the debate, CBS News subsequently reported that a meeting was scheduled with them for Wednesday.
Tapper tweeted on Tuesday about Democratic governors attempting to hear from Biden following Thursday’s debate but receiving no response until now. CBS News’ Nancy Cordes and Ed O’Keefe confirmed the planned meeting for Wednesday, with some governors attending in person and others virtually. The report noted that Biden’s direct involvement comes after days during which only his aides and advisors were reaching out, attempting to reassure supporters about Biden’s candidacy following concerns raised by his debate performance.
Several of these Democratic governors, including Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, have been mentioned as potential replacements for Biden on the ticket.
Despite this speculation, they have all firmly expressed their support for Biden as the candidate. Whitmer reaffirmed her backing on Monday and strongly rebutted claims that she suggested Michigan was unwinnable. Beshear also publicly stated his continued support for Biden while acknowledging Biden’s rough debate night. Newsom, who was present in the debate’s spin room, emphasized his unwavering support, saying, “I will never turn my back on President Biden. I don’t know a Democrat in my party that would do so.”
A new CNN poll indicated that some of these governors polled higher than Biden in a hypothetical race against former President Donald Trump. According to the poll, Vice President Kamala Harris emerged as the strongest potential contender against Trump.
