Two dozen Democratic governors met Wednesday and emerged from the meeting unified behind President Joe Biden and his campaign, despite questions over his age and cognitive health following his fumbling debate performance.
Speaking with reporters, Gov. Tim Walz, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, gave a clear message.
"He has had our backs through COVID, through all of the recovery, all that has happened. The governors have his back and we're working together just to make very, very clear on that," he said. "A path to victory in November is the number one priority and that's the number one priority of the president."
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Walz called the private meeting with Biden honest and open, and said they provided good feedback.
Gov. Wes Moore echoed Walz's comments and said the conversation felt candid.
"When you love someone, you tell them the truth," he said, noting they were honest with their feedback and concerns they've heard.
The president, Moore said, is "all-in."
"The thing that makes us most optimistic and most hopeful, is not necessarily that we're afraid of an alternative, but also is that we're hopeful for the future," he said.
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Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York said after speaking with the president, it became clear: "President Joe Biden is in it to win it."
The governors united and pledged their support to Biden as they have a common cause — defeating former President Donald Trump.
Reporters then started shouting questions, including: "Do you feel he's fit for office?"
"Yes, he's fit for office," said Walz. The president has 3 1/2 years of delivering for us, going through what we've all been through. None of us are denying Thursday night was a bad performance. It was a bad hit, if you will on that. But it doesn't impact what I believe: he's delivering."
Answering more shouted questions, Moore reiterated the president is the nominee, the party leader, and that he's in the race to win.
The conference comes after some in the Democratic party have openly questioned whether the president ought to remain in the race.
Former President Barack Obama has publicly backed his ex-vice president even after a "bad debate" night, but behind closed doors, Obama has reportedly expressed concerns that Biden may have hurt his chances of winning re-election.
