President Joe Biden’s family used a Sunday gathering at Camp David to urge him to stay in the race and keep fighting despite his dreadful debate performance, and some members criticized how his staff prepared him for the faceoff, according to four people familiar with the discussions.

Biden spent the day sequestered with first lady Jill Biden, his children and grandchildren. It was a previously scheduled trip to the presidential retreat in Maryland for a photo shoot with Annie Leibovitz for the upcoming Democratic National Convention.

But the gathering was also an exercise in trying to figure out how to quell Democratic anxiety that has exploded following Thursday’s performance.

While his family was aware of how poorly he performed against Donald Trump, they also continue to think he’s the best person to beat the Republican presumptive nominee. They also believe he is capable of doing the job of president for another four years, according to the people who were not authorized to speak publicly about internal discussions and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

  • John Richard
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    -35 days ago

    He isn’t just old, but struggled to remember most of what he spent the previous 7 days prepping for. He did an okay job domestically… he had some wins but he also did some really stupid and terrible things like threatening to arrest railroad workers for demanding better working conditions, and saying how much he is a Zionist. He didn’t fix ERISA, housing or inflation. If we’re comparing him against Trump then not enabling domestic extremist is a good job.

    • @Varyk
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      5 days ago

      There you go making things up again because you don’t have a leg to stand on.

      Biden was a great first-term president, he’ll be a great second term president.

      Keep fuming and playing make believe, it’s pretty funny.

        • @Varyk
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          15 days ago

          I don’t need to change maga minds, that’s longer trying to fill a bucket without a bottom.

          I’m stating his very clear, dedicated investment in concrete legislation that is helping hundreds of millions of people.

          “Ride dicks” if that’s your game, but leave me out of it.

      • John Richard
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        -15 days ago

        What did I make up? Tell me and I’ll either provide facts or retract it. Unless you’re looking for a cult and not facts?

        • @Varyk
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          -15 days ago

          If I ever start looking for a cult, I’ll ask you first.

          Your whole stance is based on vague pretense, spin and wholesale fabrication.

          Make up your silly, false stories if you like, and prepare to get called out.

          • John Richard
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            05 days ago

            You lodge a bunch of accusations at me but can’t articulate with fact a single one. Who does that sound like?

            • @Varyk
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              -15 days ago

              I’m not, but that sounds like you. Why?