In the aftermath of President Joe Biden's stumbling debate performance, Democrats have been working diligently to reshape public opinion about his capability to lead the nation. Despite the concerns raised by a recent poll, which indicated that a majority of voters think Biden should not run for president, party members are pushing back against these sentiments.

Prominent Democrats, including Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, a close ally of Biden, have acknowledged the lackluster debate performance while swiftly shifting the focus to critiquing former President Donald Trump's record. Clyburn expressed confidence in Biden's ability to contrast effectively with Trump's tenure, insisting that the former vice president should continue running on his own record.

Joined by former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Sen. Chris Coons, Sen. Raphael Warnock, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Democrats have been defending Biden's capabilities on various media platforms. However, despite their efforts, Biden's debate performance, marked by verbal stumbling and incomplete answers, has intensified concerns among voters about his age and fitness for the presidency.

A CBS News/YouGov poll conducted immediately after the debate revealed that 72% of registered voters surveyed believed Biden should not run for president, an increase from 63% in February. The poll also indicated that 72% of respondents doubt Biden's mental and cognitive abilities to serve as president, reflecting a seven percent increase since June 9. However, some analysts argue that such initial reactions may change as the hype subsides and voters have more time to reflect.

Contradicting the poll results, Biden himself argued that the voters' reactions differed from the pundits' analyses. He pointed out that subsequent polls have shown movement in his favor since the debate. Despite this, the upcoming second debate scheduled for September 10 remains uncertain, with doubts surrounding the participation of both candidates.

As the debate triggers a Democratic reckoning over Biden's suitability as the presumptive nominee, some strategists and newspaper editorial boards are suggesting that he should step down and relinquish his delegates before the Democratic National Convention in August. This would provide an opportunity for an alternative candidate to challenge Trump in the November election.

Meanwhile, despite the criticism and doubts surrounding his candidacy, the Biden campaign has managed to garner significant financial support in the aftermath of the debate. Campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz confirmed that since Thursday, the campaign has raised an impressive $33 million, with $26 million coming from grassroots donors. Notably, almost half of the grassroots funding was contributed by first-time donors this election season.

Even as Biden takes time at Camp David with his family to consider the future course of his reelection bid, his campaign's fundraising success suggests continued support from dedicated grassroots donors. With the second debate looming, the outcome and subsequent response from voters will likely play a crucial role in shaping the Democratic Party's path forward.

As public opinion on Biden's debate performance remains divided, only time will reveal the true impact of this pivotal event on his presidential aspirations.