California Gov. Gavin Newsom reiterated his support for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden on Thursday, despite concerns within the Democratic Party regarding Biden’s poor performance at the Presidential debate.
Biden appeared weak and gave rambling answers, allowing Republican candidate Donald Trump claims on various issues, including the economy and the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, to go unchallenged at the 90-minute debate in Atlanta, Georgia.
However, Gavin Newsom, the California Governor and a potential front-runner for the 2024 Democratic nomination if Biden chose not to seek re-election, described the growing concerns among Democrats as “unhelpful” and “unnecessary.”
Many within the party were concerned about Biden’s inability to address voters’ questions about his age and fitness to serve at a crucial point in the campaign cycle. Different polls show Biden and Trump in a dead heat, causing some Democrats to think that Biden will step down for a younger candidate for the Democratic ticket.
At 81, Biden is the oldest president to rule America and would be 86 by the end of a second term if he emerged.
Newsom then chose to highlight Biden’s record in office, describing his presidency as a “masterclass.”He added that the ongoing discussions about Biden do not benefit American democracy, especially when the world looks to the U.S. for leadership.
