Jill Biden appears unmoved by panic over Joe Biden’s debate showing

NEW YORK — "I want to discuss the debate from last night because I know it's something you all are thinking about," Jill Biden mentioned.

The atmosphere in the living room of the brownstone in Greenwich Village became quiet. The woman, elegantly dressed in a polka dot dress and pink high heels, stood confidently behind a stand, smiling slightly. The crowd of around 60 people at the fundraising event held their half-finished Aperol Spritzes, gazing back at her.

"Joe mentioned that he's not exactly young," she said cheerfully. "He told me after watching the debate last night, 'Jill, something just didn't feel right.'"

This was the most personal information shared by anyone close to Biden about his thoughts on his performance during the debate on Thursday night. It was a difficult 90 minutes where he struggled to speak confidently and seemed to struggle to stay focused.

His wife, after being married for 47 years, didn't see any need to worry. She calmly told Joe that one bad 90-minute event should not define his entire four-year presidency. Her words were met with applause from everyone in the room.

"What my husband is really good at is being honest," she added. "Even when things don't go well, Joe never gives up. We're standing strong today."

If there were any doubts about the first lady's belief in her husband's abilities for the position, those doubts were clearly put to rest.

In areas outside of where President Biden has support, there are lingering uncertainties and some are suggesting extreme measures. Joe Scarborough, the host of one of Biden's preferred morning programs on MSNBC and a vocal supporter, advised Biden to withdraw from the race. This sentiment was echoed by Thomas Friedman, a columnist for the New York Times and a close friend of the president.

Some important Democrats who support Biden are standing by him strongly. Rep. James E. Clyburn said to reporters that they should continue on the same path. Former president Barack Obama also shared a message saying that rough debate nights can happen, suggesting that Biden can overcome this setback.

"After the debate, the first lady gave glowing feedback. But the following day in North Carolina, the Bidens were more honest about the performance. President Biden acknowledged his struggles with walking, speaking, and debating, but reassured the crowd that he knows how to do his job."

Jill appeared on stage with her husband at the event in North Carolina wearing a tight black dress that had "Vote" printed all over it in a striking white font. The dress was meant to show her support for the campaign, according to someone close to the first lady who is not allowed to talk about it publicly.

Next up was the fundraiser in New York, where Jill Biden was speaking publicly on her own for the first time since the debate. The audience, who had each paid at least $1,000 to attend the event in a living room in Greenwich Village, seemed unconcerned about the president. The host of the fundraiser, novelist Adriana Trigiani, expressed admiration for Jill Biden's husband during her introduction of the first lady.

"We have faith in you, we're not going anywhere," Trigiani continued. "Everyone has a bad night every now and then. Cut him some slack."