Following President Joe Biden's lackluster debate performance last month, a sense of unease has settled within the White House as concerns mount over the future of his reelection campaign.
Since the disappointing debate on June 27, sources both inside and outside the White House have described a somber mood among staffers of all levels. Many are struggling to comprehend Biden's performance during the 90-plus minutes on the debate stage.
Television screens within the White House have been tuned to cable news channels, with headlines questioning Biden's political prospects dominating the news cycle. The situation escalated further when several House Democratic ranking members reportedly urged Biden to consider stepping aside during a call with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
In the aftermath of the debate, senior administration officials have been conducting check-ins with their teams and direct reports to provide emotional support and rally their staff to stay focused on advancing the Biden administration's agenda.
The uncertainty surrounding Biden's future has left many within the White House on edge, with the fallout from the debate continuing to reverberate through the administration. Despite the challenges, efforts are being made to maintain morale and keep the administration's work on track.