Illinois Governor Raises Concerns About Democrats' Chances in November After Biden's Poor Debate Performance

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has expressed concerns about the Democratic Party's prospects in November's elections, following President Biden's dismal performance in his debate against former President Trump.

Hot mic audio reportedly captured Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois expressing pessimism about the state of the presidential race this week. According to CBS News Chicago, Pritzker was overheard telling someone that he was not satisfied with the trajectory of President Biden's campaign following his debate performance against former President Trump.

"You gotta do what we have to do. I don't like where we are," Pritzker said in a private conversation.

Illinois Governor Raises Concerns About Democrats' Chances in November After Biden's Poor Debate Performance

The hot mic also caught the governor adding, "We're just going to keep fighting. I don't know what to say."

The governor's office confirmed that Pritzker was referring to the presidential race when he made the comments. His remarks reflect a growing sense of uncertainty within the Democratic Party regarding Biden's ability to beat Trump in November.

Illinois Governor Raises Concerns About Democrats' Chances in November After Biden's Poor Debate Performance

Multiple Democratic lawmakers, pundits, and even major Hollywood Biden donors have called for the president to abandon his re-election bid, citing his poor debate performance.

Liberal actor George Clooney, who had previously hosted a fundraiser for Biden, wrote a guest essay in the New York Times urging the president to step aside. Another Biden supporter, actor Michael Douglas, expressed concern that Biden may not be able to secure a victory in the crucial election.

Illinois Governor Raises Concerns About Democrats' Chances in November After Biden's Poor Debate Performance

Despite the turbulence surrounding Biden's campaign, Pritzker has remained a vocal supporter of the president. He has insisted that Biden will continue as the Democratic presidential nominee and has defended him from calls to resign.

"Joe Biden is our nominee. I am for Joe Biden. I've been campaigning for Joe Biden," Pritzker said earlier this week.

Pritzker acknowledged that Biden's debate performance was weak but offered advice to his team on how to regain support.

"I think obviously the President had a bad performance in the debate," he said. "That doesn't help anybody. He knows that, and what you have to do is stand up say, 'I didn't do it well,' which I think he said, and prove people wrong about what they want to say about it. And he's doing that."

The governor's comments underscore the challenges facing the Democratic Party as the November elections approach. Biden's faltering candidacy has raised concerns about the party's ability to retain control of the White House and maintain majorities in the House and Senate.