Biden seeks support of blue city mayors as state, federal leaders cast doubt on his abilities

Following his disastrous debate performance, Joe Biden has been criticized by a number of politicians at the state and federal level. As a result, he has now sought the backing of Democrat city leaders across the US. Many of these have been critical of his border policy, which has resulted in a massive influx of illegal immigrants, seeking services, in American cities.

On Tuesday, the president took part in a 45-minute Zoom call with nearly 200 mayors from across the country during which he discussed his vision for a second term, and called on them to support his candidacy. Many of those in attendance went on to publicly express their support for Biden, while some stopped short of endorsing him explicitly, per Politico.

"The president will make the determination on what he's doing," New York City Mayor Eric Adams told reporters at a press conference. "He's the president of the United States. I respect that. He'll make the determination on what he's going to do. I think that if we're going to be Democrats, then we should, we have a Democratic leader. I respect the process, let the process play out."

Speaking with GBH's Boston Public Radio, Mayor Michelle Wu admitted that Biden's debate performance was "painful to watch," but that "if he’s the nominee, I'm going to be backing him.” 

Perhaps the most fervent supporter of the president was Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. "To be honest with you, President Biden was pretty fired up," he wrote in a letter to constituents. "Whether it was last month, this month, or any day between now and Election Day, we all need to do everything we can to re-elect President Biden and Vice President Harris — and defeat Donald Trump."

Johnson admitted that there has been "a lot of chatter about the President's performance in the debate," but maintained that, "having spoken to the President just now, I can tell you he is ready, willing, and able to take on and defeat Donald Trump."

"I am proud to stand up to Donald Trump and I'm proud to fully support President Biden and Vice President Harris in this election," he added. "They are our ticket, and he is our president and we need him to be reelected this fall. Our entire city is counting on it."