Biden to meet with Democratic governors, congressional leaders after debate

July 3 (UPI) — President Joe Biden has scheduled meetings with Democratic governors and Democratic leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives on Wednesday, following his self-described poor performance in the debate.

The meetings will take place Wednesday evening at the White House.

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“The president will take the time to speak to these members and to the Democratic governors,” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said at a press briefing.

A spokesman for California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday that he would travel to the White House tomorrow to attend the governors’ meeting and stand with the president.

Newsom rejected the idea of ​​Biden withdrawing, saying Biden’s record as president, not a 90-minute debate, should be the deciding factor for voters.

Two dozen Democratic governors held a conference call Monday to discuss their response to the campaign fallout sparked by Biden’s debate performance. Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker did not participate in the call.

They have been mentioned as potential replacements for Biden if he withdraws or is replaced on the presidential ticket.

The Hill, citing a national Democratic official familiar with the call, said the Biden-Harris campaign was aware of the call and that it was arranged by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Biden’s campaign insists that even though the president had a bad debate night, he is assuring donors and Democratic political leaders that he is still up to the task and capable of winning re-election in November.

Biden appeared more energetic and coherent at a post-debate campaign rally in North Carolina.

On Friday, Biden will give an interview to ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos and attend a campaign event in Madison, Wisconsin.