Democratic Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania is facing criticism from his Republican opponent Dave McCormick, as the GOP launches attack ads following President Joe Biden’s shaky debate performance last week. In a 35-second video, the McCormick campaign accuses Casey of standing by Biden despite knowing about his struggles. The ad shows various Democratic operatives expressing concerns about Biden’s debate showing and ends with a question demanding Casey to tell the truth.
Despite the pressure, Casey expressed his support for Biden while campaigning in Scranton on Monday, stating that people understand the stakes involved. The McCormick ad is just a preview of the new strategy being adopted by Republican groups as they aim to capitalize on Biden’s debate performance in House, Senate, and governor races across the country. On the Democratic side, lawmakers are cautiously monitoring the situation, with some willing to speak out against Biden if data suggests that his candidacy could cost them control of the House in November.
While publicly Democrats are standing by Biden, privately discussions are taking place among elected officials about potential replacements and “what ifs” scenarios. Names like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and California Gov. Gavin Newsom have been floated as possible alternatives to Biden, although there is sensitivity around bypassing Vice President Kamala Harris.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee and National Republican Congressional Committee are gearing up to use Biden’s debate struggles as ammunition against Democrats in paid advertisements and campaigns. They are highlighting Democrats’ defense of Biden as a move to protect a president who is perceived as unfit by many Americans.
Overall, Democratic leaders have remained steadfast in their support for Biden, but some down-ballot Democrats have expressed concerns about his debate performance. Rep. Angie Craig and Rep. Brad Schneider are among those who have indicated a willingness to consider alternatives to Biden as the Democratic nominee.
The Biden campaign is working to manage the fallout from the debate performance, with campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon seeking to reassure party leaders and staff that the situation will pass. Despite the campaign’s attempts to remain optimistic, some within the Democratic Party have criticized the tone and language used in defending Biden, particularly terms like “the bedwetting brigade” which have been deemed disrespectful and offensive.
As the fallout from Biden’s debate performance continues to reverberate, both Democrats and Republicans are preparing to navigate the challenges and uncertainties leading up to the November elections.
