President Biden and his campaign made an attempt to quell concerns and win back support this week after a poor debate performance last week but calls for him to step aside have continued. Those calls and his first post-debate interview are likely to be the focus of this week’s Sunday news shows.
Biden’s debate showing — where he appeared to lack energy and often stumbled over his answers — sparked widespread panic among Democrats about not only his ability to beat former President Trump in November, but also if the 81-year-old can serve another four years if reelected.
Since then, there have been numerous calls for him to suspend his campaign and allow someone else to have the opportunity to run, namely his Vice President Kamala Harris, who has vowed her support to Biden.
The president held campaign rallies this week to drum up energy among Democrats and prove that debate night was just a “bad episode.” In an interview Friday with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos Friday, a conversation that was seen as a make-or-break moment for his campaign, he again insisted he would stay the course.
While better than his debate performance, he didn’t instill enthusiasm among his base during a critical time.
One of the first to call on Biden to step aside was former Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio). Ryan said too much is at stake in this election and Harris should take over as the party’s nominee. He is set to join “Fox News Sunday,” where he will likely speak about his request of Biden.
Other allies of the incumbent are set to appear on the shows this weekend. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) will join CNN’s “State of the Union.” In the past, Dingell has said she is “sick and tired” of people talking about Biden’s age because he can do the job just fine.
The Democrat lawmakers are likely to defend the president’s decision to stay in the race despite a growing number of their colleagues calling on him to resign.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) will join CBS’ “Face the Nation” this week, where he will likely talk about Biden as well. Graham argued Friday that Biden staying in the race was “very good news” and would help Republicans up and down the ticket.
While the Democratic Party is struggling internally, questions remain about the Republican Party. Trump has hinted that he already made his pick about his vice president is and will announce his running mate at the Republican National Convention, which begins July 15 in Milwaukee.
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who are among the top rumored candidates, will appear on the shows this weekend. Vance is scheduled to appear on NBC’s “Meet the Press” and Rubio will join CNN.
They will likely talk about Trump’s recent successes, which include the debate against Biden and the recent Supreme Court immunity ruling that grants presidents immunity from prosecution for “official acts.”
Below is the full list of guests scheduled to appear on this week’s Sunday talk shows:
NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday” — Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.).
NBC’s Meet the Press” — Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio); Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).
CBS’ “Face the Nation” — Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.); NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.
CNN’s “State of the Union” — Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.); Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.).
“Fox News Sunday” — Former Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio); American University history professor Allan Lichtman
Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” — Sens. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.); Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.); Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley; New York Post columnist Miranda Devine.
ABC’s “This Week” — Replay of President Biden’s interview with George Stephanopoulos.