Democrats reel from Biden’s stumbling debate showing

The question on many Democrats’ minds: Now what? 

Democrats were reeling from the presidential debate where they saw President Biden not only do poorly but bomb what was supposed to be a narrative-defining moment. And with the threat of a second Donald Trump presidency looming, they spent Friday trying to figure out if the current president could still somehow be the right person to defeat the former president. 

While Democrats are the first to admit that they scare easily, Thursday night’s debate wasn’t a typical moment. Democrats often feel like the sky is falling when it comes to politics, and former President Obama’s first debate in 2012 against Republican nominee Mitt Romney did not go well. But Biden’s Thursday night performance was still seen as something different.

Interviews with more than a dozen party strategists, donors and other operatives indicated a palpable concern about Biden's future on the Democratic ticket. And while some Biden allies chalked it up to one bad night, they were drowned out by the chorus of other Democrats looking for other options.

“This is real,” said one prominent Democratic donor. “This isn't one of those bulls‑‑‑ made up storylines. 

“This wasn't the Obama-Romney debate,” the donor added. “This is a million times more dire and now we have to start asking the tough questions.”

Democratic pundits also said Biden had a bad night.

“I think there was a sense of shock, ac...