Biden and the Democrats raise $264 million in 2nd quarter as they seek to calm post-debate anxieties

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden ‘s reelection campaign and the Democratic National Committee reported raising $264 million in the year’s second quarter, an impressive haul that may help them calm fears within their own party about last week’s shaky debate performance.

The total announced Tuesday includes $127 million collected during June alone, when the campaign says it took in more than $33 million on the day of the debate and in its aftermath. Biden also has $240 million in cash on hand, outpacing the $212 million it reported having last month.

Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez called the totals “a testament to the committed and growing base of supporters standing firmly behind the president.”

The announced totals come as Biden’s campaign continues to scramble to quell panic among some Democrats, who have questioned whether the president can win November’s election after a debate where he appeared raspy, trailed off and at times gave convoluted answers. Some of the campaign’s top leaders have held multiple calls since the debate, preaching patience to donors and top surrogates.

Campaign officials nonetheless insist there’s been no discussion “whatsoever” of Biden exiting the race nor of any staff shakeups.

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