By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz declared President Joe Biden “fit for office” on Wednesday following a private meeting with Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and nearly every Democratic governor in the country. This statement aimed to quell concerns about Biden's capability to lead and his chances against Donald Trump in the upcoming November election.
Governor Walz acknowledged the president’s recent debate performance as a setback but affirmed his belief in Biden's ongoing effectiveness. “None of us are denying Thursday night was a bad performance. It was a bad hit, if you will on that, but it doesn’t impact what I believe, He’s delivering,” Walz stated in response to a reporter's question.
This expression of confidence comes amidst rising pressure within the Democratic Party, with some members questioning Biden's viability as the presidential nominee. Concerns have been voiced that Biden's position at the top of the ticket could jeopardize the party’s chances of retaining the White House and regaining control of the House.
Earlier in the week, Walz conducted a call with other governors who were surprised by the lack of communication from Biden regarding his debate mishap. Following this, Biden met with state leaders to discuss the issue.
Governors Wes Moore of Maryland, Kathy Hochul of New York, and Walz addressed the press outside the White House, showing their support for the president. Moore, regarded as a rising star in the Democratic Party, described the meeting as “honest” and “candid.” He emphasized the importance of providing truthful feedback to Biden and expressed his commitment to standing with him. Hochul echoed these sentiments, affirming, “President Joe Biden is in it to win it. And all of us said we pledged our support to him because the stakes could not be higher.”
When asked if Biden had explained his poor debate performance, Walz said Biden acknowledged it, admitting he didn’t listen to himself. Walz added, “What we saw in there today was a guy who was the guy that all of us believed in the first time who could beat Donald Trump and he did beat Donald Trump.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, both mentioned as potential contenders if Biden were to step aside, attended the meeting but did not speak to the press immediately afterward. Newsom later issued a statement to, saying, “I heard three words from the President he’s all in. And so am I. Joe Biden’s had our back. Now it’s time to have his.” Whitmer also voiced her support on social media, affirming Biden's candidacy.
A statement from the Biden campaign indicated that during the meeting, the president reiterated his commitment to defeating Donald Trump in November and sought the advice and expertise of the Democratic governors. All participants expressed their dedication to ensuring Biden and Harris's victory over Trump in the election.