President Joe Biden met with Democratic governors at the White House on July 1, 2024, to address concerns about his health and political viability following a debate performance that left some questioning his fitness for office. During the meeting, Biden assured the governors that he had undergone a medical checkup after the debate and was in good health.
According to multiple sources familiar with the conversation during the meeting, Biden mentioned having had a checkup in recent days and asserted that he remains in good health. One source noted that it was not a full physical examination but rather an assessment of his lingering cold symptoms.
The governors showed public support for Biden following the meeting, with some expressing confidence in his ability to beat former President Trump in November. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore acknowledged the current political reality reflected by polls, which indicate Democrats are poised to lose the White House and potentially both chambers of Congress to Republicans.
Biden took responsibility for his poor performance at the debate and acknowledged that he hadn't listened to staff advice on slowing down his schedule before the debate. The meeting marked Biden's strongest show of defiance yet against growing calls within the Democratic Party for him to step aside.
About a dozen states will decide the fate of abortion rights with constitutional amendments on the ballot during the election. Biden supports legal access to abortion and encourages Congress to codify abortion rights nationwide. Trump previously had mixed signals about his position on abortion but now says it should be left to states.
The presidential debate marked a significant moment in the 2024 election, with both candidates addressing various issues and offering their visions for the future of the country. Biden's performance raised concerns among some Democrats, leading to increased scrutiny of his health and political viability.
