Full List of Democrats Criticizing Biden After Debate

President Joe Biden has faced heightened criticism from fellow Democratic lawmakers in recent days following the first presidential debate of 2024.

Biden and Donald Trump became their respective parties' presumptive 2024 presidential candidates earlier this year following a string of primary victories, likely setting up a rematch of the fiercely contested 2020 election. On Thursday, the two participated in the first presidential debate of the election cycle, which was hosted by CNN in Georgia.

Amid mounting concerns about Biden's age and mental acuity, Democrats hoped for a youthful and energetic performance when the president took to the debate stage. However, during the debate, the 81-year-old rambled at some points through his administration's current accomplishments and goals. A Biden aide, meanwhile, told Newsweek late Thursday night that the president was battling a cold during the debate.

Biden's performance sparked concerns among some members of the Democratic Party about his ability to serve a second term, with some considering replacing him as their nominee. However, there is no indication of who would be proposed as a candidate and Biden's campaign hasn't signaled he will step down. Biden and Trump are expected to face off in a second debate on September 10, which will be hosted by ABC News.

Here is a list of Democrats who criticized Biden, or his campaign, following the debate:

Newsweek reached out to Biden's campaign via email for comment.

Senator Peter Welch

Speaking to Semafor on Monday, Senator Peter Welch of Vermont took aim at Biden's campaign for being "dismissive" of those raising concerns about the debate performance, adding that it's a discussion that needs to be had.

"I really do criticize the campaign for a dismissive attitude towards people who are raising questions for discussion. That's just facing the reality that we're in. But that's the discussion we have to have. It has to be from the top levels of the Biden campaign to precinct captains in the southside of Chicago. The campaign has raised the concerns themselves. So then to be dismissive of others who raise those concerns, I think it's inappropriate," Welch said.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

In an interview with WPRI 12 News on Monday, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island criticized Biden's performance and campaign, adding that while he has been critical for a while, the debate "could be the jolt that they need" for a more compelling case against Trump.

"I think like a lot of people, I was pretty horrified. I think people want to make sure that this is a campaign that's ready to go and win, that the president and his team are being candid with us about his condition — that this was a real anomaly. I've been critical of the campaign all along, so the upside is that this could be the jolt that they need to make a more compelling case against Donald Trump and for President Biden and the goals Democrats want to achieve," Whitehouse said.

Senator Chris Coons

However, other Democrats, while they have acknowledged the debate performance and have continued to support Biden, are taking aim at his campaign and urging the president to change strategy in an effort to address the concerns.

In an interview with CNN, Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, a White House ally and campaign surrogate, said that he's urging Biden to hold more press conferences so he can demonstrate his fitness for office.

"That is what I am urging and recommending," Coons responded when asked by CNN host Jake Tapper about more press conferences to address Biden's acuity.

Representative Debbie Dingell

Also speaking to CNN, representative Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Democrat, criticized the Biden campaign for reports that its leaders were "going to stick to their strategy," adding that one interview "isn't going to fix" the concerns about the president.

"One interview isn't going to fix this. I think the campaign's got to listen to people. And by the way, I think the campaign needs to listen to us...I know how to win campaigns. My strategy is to stick my ear to the ground and know what people are saying."

Governor Jared Polis

In a statement to Colorado Newsline, Governor Jared Polis of Colorado said while it was "not a good night" for Biden, he hopes the president can deliver his message better throughout the 2024 election.

"Last night was not a good night, and I hope that President Biden delivers his optimistic message about his vision for our future better throughout the campaign," Polis said.

Other Democrats who acknowledged Biden's debate performance:

In an interview with CNN on Monday, when asked about whether Biden should step down from the race, representative Mike Quigley said it has to be his decision, adding that the debate impacts not just the presidential race, but other races.

"I think what I'm stressing is, it has to be his decision. But we have to be honest with ourselves that it was just a horrible night. But I won't go beyond that out of my respect and understanding President Joe Biden, a very proud person who has served us extraordinarily well for 50 years. But it's his decision. I just want him to appreciate at this time just how much it impacts not just his race, but all the other races coming in November."

According to the Nebraska Examiner, Minnesota Democratic representative Angie Craig said it was a "terrible debate."

"We all have to acknowledge that and Donald Trump lied every time he opened his mouth," Craig said.

While representative Steny Hoyer of Maryland said Biden "had a bad night," he added that the president still showed respect for "people, the truth and the Constitution," according to the Nebraska Examiner.

"The other candidate, who respects none of those, showed that last night," Hoyer added of Trump.

Meanwhile, representative Gregory Meeks of New York took aim at other House members as he said he didn't expect that all of a sudden members of the party would "jump ship" from the Biden-Harris ticket, but that Biden has a lot of work to do before election day.

"You can't hide that, people are not pleased. Nobody's in there jumping for joy, saying that, you know, 'That was a great night last night,'" Meeks said. "Is there concern? Yeah, because we know how important it is to make sure that we win this election."

He added: "I know Joe Biden. I've sat across the room from Joe Biden in some very important meetings," Meeks said. "And I know that he's all there and he has the ability to do that. He did not do that last night. But I do know that he has that ability."

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries also gave his support for Biden as he answered with a flat "no" when asked Friday if Biden should step aside.

"I'm looking forward to hearing from President Biden. And until he articulates a way forward in terms of his vision for America at this moment, I'm going to reserve comment about anything relative to where we are at this moment, other than to say I stand behind the ticket."