President Joe Biden's advisers are confident in his reelection prospects for 2024, despite concerns expressed by some Democrats about his age. According to sources familiar with internal discussions, Biden's numbers in both public and private polls are roughly similar to where they were at this point before the 2022 midterms. The president's team remains steadfast in their approach, noting that doubts were present in the past, but Democrats ultimately exceeded expectations.

Although top Democrats dismiss Representative Dean Phillips' primary challenge against Biden, they are irritated by it, reflecting the shared uneasiness within the party. However, they maintain that Biden is the best option for Democrats in 2024, emphasizing that the election will be decided by narrow margins. Should Biden lose to former President Donald Trump, the current frontrunner in the GOP primary, they believe the country would undergo significant changes. Despite their confidence, there is a sense of caution among Democrats heading into the upcoming election year.

Some Democrats acknowledged that they bear partial responsibility for the soft support for Biden, suggesting that months of discussing alternative candidates undercut those who were never genuinely considered as replacements for the president and Vice President Kamala Harris. Several leading Democrats are urging their party members to avoid speculation and focus on supporting Biden.

"In uncertain times, people naturally have a little bit of nervousness," Democratic Governor Tim Walz stated, highlighting the tendency among Democrats to worry and engage in self-doubt. "Democrats by nature are a little bit skittish. They get themselves worried. They work themselves up. They talk in their groups, amongst one another - just stop it."

Others have expressed frustration with the feedback loop between Democratic leaders and political reporters who entertain the idea of a potential dramatic election. The doubts and questions surrounding Biden and Harris have contributed to dampened popularity and a slowdown in grassroots fundraising. Democrats close to the administration, including those attending events at the White House or Vice President's residence, have even privately expressed concerns about Biden's weaknesses.

However, Biden's advisers counter these sentiments, pointing to his strong showing in the 2020 election, where he garnered 7 million more votes and 74 more electoral votes than his rival. They believe that no president in the current political climate can maintain high poll numbers and attribute much of the focus on Biden's age to Democrats underestimating the competitiveness of former President Trump. They dismiss the idea that another Democratic candidate would have a significantly better standing against Trump or other Republican contenders.

Despite the primary challenge launched by Representative Dean Phillips, it is unlikely to pose a significant threat to Biden's candidacy. Several Democrats have downplayed the influence of the campaign, with Congressman Brendan Boyle highlighting that he has not had any conversations about Phillips. Governor Walz even laughed off concerns about Phillips' impact on the state's primary.

As the election approaches, the Biden reelection campaign is emphasizing the president's accomplishments and his ability to unite a diverse coalition of Democrats. They urge the party to focus on mobilizing voters and raising funds rather than engaging in speculative discussions about potential alternative candidates.

With Democratic leaders and informal advisers rallying to defend Biden and Harris, the campaign is actively pushing back against doubts and negative narratives in the media. They highlight popular policy positions taken by Biden and Harris, such as addressing climate change and reducing prescription drug costs, in an effort to demonstrate their effectiveness and appeal to voters.

Ultimately, Biden's advisers believe that the doubts and speculation will dissipate once voters are faced with the choice between Biden and Trump once again.