Texas Democrats Fear Biden’s Debate Performance Could Hurt Down-Ballot Candidates
President Joe Biden’s lackluster performance at the recent presidential debate has sent shockwaves through the Texas Democratic Party, with concerns rising about the impact on down-ballot races in November. Biden’s struggles to articulate his points and counter former President Donald Trump’s attacks have left many Texas Democrats anxious about the party’s prospects in key races.
Even Biden’s allies in Texas have acknowledged the debate was a disaster, with former HUD Secretary Julián Castro calling it a failure to clear even a low bar. State Rep. Ron Reynolds went as far as to call for Vice President Kamala Harris to replace Biden as the nominee, citing concerns about his mental capacity.
Polls show Biden trailing Trump by a wider margin in Texas than in 2016, leading to fears that a further slip could jeopardize Democratic chances in crucial races. Candidates like U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, who is challenging Sen. Ted Cruz, and several state House candidates are at risk of being dragged down by Biden’s performance.
While some Democrats are urging caution before declaring Biden’s reelection effort dead, Republicans are seizing on his debate performance to target Democratic candidates who have endorsed him. The National Republican Congressional Committee wasted no time in using Biden’s struggles to attack Democratic congressional candidates.
The debate has also raised questions about whether Biden should remain at the top of the ticket, with speculation about potential replacements like Michelle Obama. The party has yet to officially name its nominee, and if Biden were to step down, party delegates would determine a new pick at the Democratic National Convention.
Despite the collective panic among Texas Democrats, some are confident in their ability to overcome GOP attacks by highlighting their records and distancing themselves from Biden. The Democratic brand remains popular in Harris County, where local officials are up for reelection in the fall.
Biden attempted to assuage concerns at a campaign rally in North Carolina, emphasizing his capability for the job despite his debate performance. The president’s supporters are hopeful that he can bounce back and counter Trump’s attacks in future appearances.
The fallout from the debate has injected uncertainty into the Texas political landscape, with both parties strategizing on how to capitalize on Biden’s weaknesses or mitigate the damage to down-ballot candidates. As the election draws closer, the impact of Biden’s performance on Texas Democrats remains to be seen.
