From the day of the debate through Friday evening, the Biden-Harris campaign reported an impressive surge in donations. This updated figure comes after the campaign disclosed on Friday that it raised $14 million on debate day and the morning after, emphasizing the strength of their grassroots support.

Notably, the campaign highlighted that the period from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Thursday, immediately following the debate, generated the highest hour of fundraising since their campaign's launch in April 2023. These substantial funds arrive as Biden's campaign faces Democratic Party anxiety over concerns about his mental fitness following the challenging face-off with Trump in Atlanta, Georgia.

Addressing supporters at a rally in North Carolina on Friday afternoon, President Biden acknowledged the challenges he faces due to his age, stating, "Folks, I don't walk as easy as I used to. I don't speak as smoothly as I used to. I don't debate as well as I used to," but emphasized his ability to tell the truth, discern right from wrong, and effectively do the job of President. He reaffirmed his determination, stating he would not be running again if he didn't believe he could fulfill the responsibilities of the role.

During the debate, Biden struggled with a raspy voice and provided occasionally rambling answers. However, political analysts observed that the President improved and sharpened his responses as the debate progressed. Nonetheless, Biden's uneven performance dominated media coverage and sparked renewed calls for him to step aside as the Democratic Party's standard-bearer.

Top allies of President Biden have come to his defense, rejecting such suggestions and pointing out Trump's alleged falsehoods during the debate. The Biden campaign held a private meeting with party donors, attempting to assuage concerns and fears expressed by some party members.

Political strategist Maria Cardona, a prominent Biden supporter, stressed the significance of the campaign's grassroots fundraising efforts, asserting that it counters criticism of Biden's performance. Cardona highlighted that the fundraising underscores the enthusiasm for the President and the urgency to prevent Donald Trump from returning to the Oval Office.

Meanwhile, senior adviser to the Trump campaign, Brian Hughes, dismissed the Biden campaign's fundraising accomplishment. Hughes noted that the Biden campaign has already spent $100 million on cable, TV, and radio ads, suggesting that the President's lead has grown in battleground states. The Trump campaign, while enjoying the post-debate narrative, announced their own fundraising total of $8 million on the day of the debate.

As the dust settles from the debate and both campaigns evaluate their performance, the Biden campaign's significant fundraising numbers provide a boost in confidence and an opportunity to counter criticism. With the 2024 rematch between Biden and Trump on the horizon, the fundraising prowess may serve as a vital asset for the President's re-election bid.