In a display of solidarity, Democratic lawmakers and party members closed ranks around President Joe Biden following his uneven performance in the presidential debate with former President Donald Trump. Despite concerns over his halting delivery, meandering comments, and age, Biden's allies sought to shift the focus onto Trump's attacks and falsehoods, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability and defending democracy.

University of Michigan Presidential Debate Expert Aaron Kall labeled Biden's debate performance as "probably the worst performance of a candidate, certainly an incumbent candidate, ever." These remarks fueled anxieties within the Democratic Party, raising questions about Biden's ability to lead the country for another four years at the age of 81.

Even before the debate, Biden's age had posed concerns for voters, and Thursday night's faceoff only seemed to intensify these worries. With perhaps the largest audience he will have before the ballots are cast, the president acknowledged the criticism during a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, stating that he doesn't debate as well as he used to. However, Biden maintained that he knows how to do the job and get things done.

During the rally, Biden appeared more animated than the night before and passionately criticized Trump for his "lies" and a campaign driven by "revenge and retribution." The president asserted that the choice in this election is simple: Donald Trump will destroy democracy, while he will defend it.

Democratic lawmakers, while acknowledging Biden's poor showing, moved swiftly to dispel any talk of replacing him as the party's standard-bearer. Instead, they directed attention to Trump's attacks and falsehoods, reminding voters of the daily turbulence of his presidency. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper emphasized the existential threat posed by Trump, stressing the need to prevent his return to the White House.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries flatly rejected the idea of Biden stepping aside but expressed curiosity about the president's address regarding his performance. He stated that he stands behind the ticket but remains eager to hear Biden's vision for America at this moment.

Representative Ritchie Torres expressed his jovial discomfort with the debate, saying, "Since the performance last night, I had to take a few more antidepressants than usual." However, he reiterated that a Joe Biden debate performance is far less concerning to him than a Donald Trump presidency.

Undeterred by the debate criticism, Biden's campaign organized a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, which was touted as the largest event of his reelection bid in the state Trump narrowly won in 2020. The campaign also announced that it raised $14 million on debate day and the morning after, highlighting the importance of fundraising efforts in the face of a resurgent Trump campaign.

Vice President Kamala Harris, deployed by the Biden campaign to defend his performance, assured CNN that there was a slow start but a strong finish in the debate. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver admitted receiving numerous calls after Biden's debate performance and described it as "horrible." Meanwhile, Rep. James Clyburn, a prominent South Carolina Democrat, planned to speak with Biden, urging him to stay the course.

As the Democratic Party rallies around President Biden, they aim to divert attention from concerns about his delivery and emphasize the crucial choice for voters this November. They are seizing on Trump's controversial statements, his hesitancy to accept the will of voters, his defense of Capitol rioters, and his support for the overturning of Roe v. Wade, emphasizing the significance of stability and protecting fundamental rights.