Schumer reportedly voiced openness to replacing Biden before Thursday debate

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hinted to associates before Thursday night’s US presidential debate that he was open to fielding other candidates if US President Joe Biden performed badly, Axios reports, citing two people familiar with the matter.

According to the report, the senior Democratic politician supported the early debate schedule, since it could give Biden a chance to recover from potential blunders, but also allow the party to consider their options in case of such a performance.

Biden’s halting delivery and meandering comments, particularly early in Thursday night’s debate, fueled concerns from even members of his own party that at age 81 he’s not up for the task of leading the country for another four years.

Even before the debate, Biden’s age had been a liability with voters, and Thursday night’s faceoff appeared to reinforce the public’s deep-seated concerns before perhaps the largest audience he will garner before ballots are cast.

For the time being though, Schumer is standing behind Biden, the report says.

Schumer’s spokesperson tells Axios that the Democrat “has always supported and continues to support President Biden as the nominee and believes he will be re-elected.”

AP contributed to this report.