Dem lawmakers struggle to deal with fallout of Biden debate performance: 'Disappointment'

Democrats were forced to grapple with a whirlwind of chaos on Capitol Hill Friday after many were left frustrated by President Biden's debate performance on Thursday night.

"I think the emotions of the night were basically disappointment, anger, and then by the end it was panic," one House Democrat, granted anonymity to speak freely, told Fox News Digital.

"Now, with that foundation, where do we go? Obviously, there are conversations that I believe need to be had at all levels, with the realization of, this is not just about the presidency, this is about down-ballot."

Democratic lawmakers were skittish on Friday morning as groups of reporters fervently chased even normally low-profile members for comment on the debate. Several declined to speak with Fox News Digital about the match-up, even when offered anonymity.

BIDEN'S 'DISASTER' DEBATE PERFORMANCE SPARKS MEDIA MELTDOWN, CALLS FOR HIM TO WITHDRAW FROM 2024 RACE

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., looking noticeably weary, would not answer a reporter's question on whether Biden was the most effective messenger for the party.

He said instead, "President Biden is scheduled to speak today around noon, as I understand it, in North Carolina. I'm looking forward to hearing from President Biden. And until he articulates a way forward in terms of his vision for America at this moment, I'm going to reserve comment about anything relative to where we are at this moment, other than to say I stand behind the ticket."

A second anonymous House Democrat, jaded by the process in general but who did not watch the debate, told Fox News Digital, "I’ve been hearing everyone freaking out and s---, but debates in this day and age are stupid. Tell me the last debate you saw where you