President Joe Biden was seen stepping off Marine One in the Hamptons on Saturday afternoon, looking strained and holding onto First Lady Jill Biden’s arm. This appearance came just two days after a lackluster performance in his first 2024 debate against Donald Trump.
The Bidens, dressed in matching blue outfits, arrived at Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach, New York. They were heading to a high-profile fundraiser at the home of hedge-fund billionaire Barry Rosenstein and his wife Lizanne, which was expected to draw celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Michael J. Fox, and Tracy Pollan. Attendees reportedly paid up to $250,000 for the event, according to the East Hampton Press.
The Bidens’ arrival caused traffic disruptions, frustrating locals, including members of the exclusive Maidstone Club. A regular in the Hamptons noted the heavy security presence, including numerous police cars and ambulances, which added to the traffic delays.
Despite the glamorous setting, some attendees were reportedly disappointed with Biden’s debate performance, raising concerns about his mental fitness. There were moments during the debate where Biden appeared to freeze and made an unusual comment about his administration “finally beating Medicare.” He spoke in a soft, scratchy voice, attributed to a lingering cold, and was assisted off the stage by Jill Biden, further fueling doubts about his fitness for office.
A source at the fundraiser suggested that the event might serve as an opportunity to encourage Biden to consider dropping out of the race. The president’s debate performance sparked significant criticism, with Washington Post editor and Watergate reporter Bob Woodward describing it as a “political hydrogen bomb” for Biden and the Democratic Party.
A poll indicated that 82% of voters do not think Biden should seek reelection. Despite these challenges, Biden’s team has insisted he will remain on the ticket and is preparing for a rematch debate in September.
