Not everyone has abandoned Biden after the catastrophic debate.
Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.), drawing from his own experience of overcoming a challenging debate performance, offered a blunt message to Democrats amidst the aftermath of President Biden’s recent debate against former President Trump: “Chill out.”
Fetterman took to social media to push back against the frenzy among some Democrats following Biden’s debate showing, as reported by media outlets. He adamantly refused to join what he termed as “Democratic vultures” circling around Biden, emphasizing that a single debate does not define a person or their entire record.
Reflecting on his own political journey, Fetterman recalled how pundits and pollsters had written him off after a difficult debate against celebrity Mehmet Oz in his 2022 Senate race. Despite initial setbacks and predictions of defeat, Fetterman ultimately emerged victorious with a historic margin, securing his seat against the odds.
“Morning-after thermonuclear beat downs from my race,” Fetterman reminisced, highlighting how experts and polling averages had counted him out, only to witness a dramatic reversal in his favor. He urged Democrats to maintain perspective and not rush to conclusions based on singular moments or performances.
The comparison drawn between Fetterman’s experience and Biden’s current situation underscored Fetterman’s belief in resilience and the ability to rebound from perceived setbacks. Acknowledging Biden’s raspy voice during the debate, attributed by the campaign to a cold, and his occasional struggles with articulation, Fetterman suggested that such moments should not overshadow the broader context of Biden’s leadership and achievements.
Fetterman’s message aimed to temper the anxiety within Democratic circles, especially in crucial swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. These states, pivotal to Biden’s electoral strategy, remain essential for any path to reelection.
In essence, Fetterman’s call to “chill out” served as a reminder of political resilience and the unpredictability of electoral outcomes, urging Democrats not to prematurely write off Biden based on a single debate performance. His words resonated with a broader narrative of perseverance and eventual triumph against odds, offering a hopeful perspective amid uncertain political landscapes.