MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz conceded Friday that President Joe Biden's debate performance did not go well, but said he's confident his fellow Democrat is still up to the job.
Walz was questioned the morning after the first debate on this 2024 election cycle between President Biden and former President Donald Trump, hosted by CNN. At times the president struggled to find words, and spoke in a halting manner.
He regained some of his old zip as the debate wore on, but the early moments caused panics among some Democrats worried about the optics at a time when the 81-year-old chief executive's age has become an issue for some voters.
"I think it's clear neither candidate had a very good night. I think President Biden could have certainly have performed better and President Trump could've told the truth once in a while," Gov. Walz told reporters.
Walz said the president was fully engaged intellectually during a phone conversation earlier in the week, when Biden called to ask how his administration could help with flooding that has plagued Minnesota in the last two weeks.
"A debate is not governing. A debate is campaigning," Walz explained.
"And it certainly could've been a better night, but it still comes back to, and I've said this time and time again, I'll take President Biden on his worst days over someone who I wouldn't have got a call from in a flood. I know that because I saw it happen."
When a reporter pressed Walz about how bad things would have to get for him to change his mind about Biden, the governor pushed back.
"Look. We don't abandon our folks. We probably take a lesson from Republicans. They won't abandon their folks after 34 felony charges."
Biden Friday showed a more fired up version of himself at a campaign rally, and defended his age, by saying he may be old but he still knows how to tell the truth.
Other Democrats:
The most searing Minnesota Democratic response came Rep. Betty McCollum, who said, "We cannot rely solely on President Biden's exemplary record of progress. He must prove that he is up to the job for the next four years."
Rep. Angie Craig told KARE, "It was a terrible debate. Donald Trump lied every time he opened his mouth and President Biden couldn't communicate effectively."
Others top Democrats focused on the end game in November, and what they believe is an existential threat of Trump returning to the White House.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar said, "President Biden has led our country with integrity and voters know what is at stake."
Sen. Tina Smith told KARE, "We fired Trump four years ago and voters will reassert themselves in November to keep him as far away from power as possible."
Rep. Ilhan Omar expressed confidence Biden will prevail in the long run.
"I think the president will be successful and we're going to make sure he does defeat this monster."
And, from Attorney General Keith Ellison, "I don't need a president to inspire me or entertain me. I need a president who's honest, not a racist or a crook."
The one Democrat many wanted to hear from Friday was Rep. Dean Phillips, who mounted an unsuccessful primary challenge of Biden based in large part on the need for younger leadership. Rep. Phillips said Friday he is refraining from commenting on the debate or the presidential race for now.
DFL Party Chair Ken Martin attended the debate in person, but was not available for comment Friday as he was traveling, according to party staff.