Jen Psaki: Where Biden goes from here

The president's next few weeks are critical

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news with Jen Psaki VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news with Jen Psaki Saturday, June 29, 2024 Where Biden goes from here By Jen Psaki I'm not going to sugarcoat it: President Joe Biden's debate performance on Thursday night was very bad, especially the first 30 minutes (otherwise known as the part more people likely watched).   He failed to make the case on key issues like abortion rights and the economy. His voice was inaudible at moments (and yes he did have a cold); he meandered through lists of numbers, correcting himself at times and then losing his train of thought. And he failed for the most part to push back on Donald Trump's increasingly lie-filled and incoherent ramblings.   There is precedent for a sitting president bombing their first debate. Just ask anyone who worked on the George W. Bush re-election campaign in 2004, or the Barack Obama re-election campaign in 2012 (I did). Those debates were much closer to the election and both incumbents went on to hold on to the presidency.    But the Biden team is dealing with a far more challenging reaction than either of those campaigns tied to the question of whether or not he is physically up to a second term.    It is also important to remember that we don't yet know how the American public will digest the debate. Early focus group interviews (from NBC News' Gadi Schwartz and the Biden campaign) are not disastrous for Team Biden. The campaign has also raised a significant amount of money since the debate. And the Joe Biden who showed up at the rally in North Carolina on Friday felt much more vigorous and coherent.   But there is no question the next few weeks are going to be rocky for the Biden campaign. There will be ongoing discussions about the possibility of an open convention, and about replacing Biden on the ticket. While that may sound like a good idea on editorial pages, it would be quite challenging to pull off. The public has already chosen Biden, and a brokered convention means party delegates — and not the public — pick the nominee (from a large field of ambitious and talented people) in what would also be a messy and divisive process. This is not a "West Wing" episode.   Read more exclusive insights from Jen Psaki here. And tune into "Inside with Jen Psaki" Mondays at 8 p.m. ET, and Sundays at 12 p.m. ET on MSNBC. TOP STORIES JORDAN RUBIN Supreme Court rules in favor of Jan. 6 rioter, with possible implications for Trump The case of Fischer v. United States raised possible complications for Trump's federal election interference prosecution. Read more.  CHARLIE DENT Why Biden's debate performance may have been disqualifying For the good of the country, Democrats must persuade President Biden to step aside. Read more. LYZ LENZ Iowa's Supreme Court just dealt a crushing blow to women everywhere Being pregnant in Iowa already feels like taking my life in my own hands. The state Supreme Court just made it worse. Read more.  JA'HAN JONES Trump's 'Black jobs' comment was a lowlight in his fact-free debate performance Trump blathered and boasted Thursday, and some of his most offensive rhetoric concerned Black voters. Here's a fact-check. Read more.         TOP VIDEOS ALL IN Could Biden be replaced as the nominee? An open convention, explained. WATCH NOW CHRIS JANSING REPORTS Steve Bannon must report to prison by Monday after Supreme Court rejects appeal WATCH NOW THE BEAT WITH ARI Bob Woodward: Biden's debate performance was a 'political hydrogen bomb' WATCH NOW DEADLINE WHITE HOUSE Andrew Weissmann on the Supreme Court: Alito is a 'MAGA justice' WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC Tomorrow, MSNBC Films presents 'Admissions Granted.' The feature documentary carefully retraces the legal debate over affirmative action, culminating in landmark Supreme Court decisions that divided communities and transformed college admissions. Watch "Admissions Granted" tomorrow at 9 p.m. ET on MSNBC. On Saturday, September 7th, you can attend 'MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024,' our premiere fan event in Brooklyn, New York. Hear thought-provoking conversations about the most pressing issues of our time, and take part in a sit-down dinner for an insider's view of this critical moment in our democracy. Buy your tickets today. MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community. This weekend on MSNBC SATURDAY MSNBC's "Velshi" at 10am ET: Michael Cohen… Fmr. Sen. 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