President Joe Biden’s family used a Sunday gathering at Camp David to urge him to stay in the race and keep fighting despite his dreadful debate performance, and some members criticized how his staff prepared him for the faceoff, according to four people familiar with the discussions.

Biden spent the day sequestered with first lady Jill Biden, his children and grandchildren. It was a previously scheduled trip to the presidential retreat in Maryland for a photo shoot with Annie Leibovitz for the upcoming Democratic National Convention.

But the gathering was also an exercise in trying to figure out how to quell Democratic anxiety that has exploded following Thursday’s performance.

While his family was aware of how poorly he performed against Donald Trump, they also continue to think he’s the best person to beat the Republican presumptive nominee. They also believe he is capable of doing the job of president for another four years, according to the people who were not authorized to speak publicly about internal discussions and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

    • Flying Squid
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      -26 months ago

      Please do tell me how you expect another candidate to run against Biden if no one canvasses for them. Magic?

        • Flying Squid
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          6 months ago

          Yes it absolutely does.

          You are honestly the first person I have asked this to who has told me who they canvassed for. Everyone else just gets irate.

          • @[email protected]
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            fedilink
            46 months ago

            Well, if it’s any consolation I’m irate over the whole thing.

            Irate that America is in this position where we have to try and rally behind what I can only describe as elder abuse.

            I’ll likely hold my nose and vote Biden again but this is ridiculous.