Van Jones, a well-known progressive and political commentator, has recently declared himself a 'bedwetter.' This term, coined by Joe Biden's campaign, refers to those who are panicking over the president's first debate performance. Jones, who has worked with influential figures like Barack Obama and Prince, made this admission during an on-air segment on CNN, where he has been a contributor for over a decade.
Jones’ comments come on the heels of President Joe Biden's less-than-stellar debate performance, which Jones described as 'painful' for the Democratic Party. Despite being a staunch Democrat, Jones didn’t hold back his disappointment, labeling the president’s showing as weak and lethargic. On Monday, Jones doubled down on his critique, referencing the 'bedwetting brigade' and challenging Biden to prove him wrong by participating in an unscripted interview.
Quoting Deputy Campaign Manager Rob Flaherty, Jones said, “I’m sitting here where I’m in Pampers, Huggies, and Depends, okay. Call me a bedwetter.” His light-hearted jest quickly turned serious as he admitted, “I’m scared. I’m worried. I’m nervous. And a lot of people are.” Jones highlighted the underlying anxiety among Democrats about the upcoming polls in battleground states and the waning confidence of Democratic donors.
The former Special Advisor for Green Jobs in the Obama White House stressed that these factors will be crucial in determining whether Biden can secure another term in the Oval Office. Jones also questioned Biden’s ability to perform in unscripted scenarios, challenging the president to prove his mental acuity by participating in multiple interviews. “If you can’t, it’s not a bad day — he’s in a bad way,” Jones emphasized.
Earlier, Jones had bluntly stated that Biden lost the debate within the first three minutes, appearing weak and raspy on camera. He expressed his personal disappointment, saying, “That was painful. I love Joe Biden, I worked with Joe Biden, he didn’t do well at all.” Jones described the debate as “the old man vs. the con man,” lamenting Biden’s failure to restore confidence in his leadership.
Jones’ candid critique resonates with a growing sentiment among Democrats, who are contemplating a different course for the party ahead of the August convention. He called for Biden to consider stepping aside, arguing that the party needs to find a new path forward. “There is time for this party to figure out a different way forward, if he will allow us to do that,” Jones noted.
President Biden, however, has defended his performance and candidacy. Speaking at a rally in North Carolina, he acknowledged his age and physical limitations but asserted his capability to lead. “I know I’m not a young man, I don’t walk as easy as I used to, I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to, I don’t debate as well as I used to. But I know what I do know,” Biden declared, receiving applause from the crowd. “I know how to tell the truth. I know right from wrong. I know how to do this job.”
Despite media calls for him to step aside, including editorials from The New York Times and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Biden remains steadfast. Several Democratic aides and members have privately expressed concerns, but public support from leaders like Nancy Pelosi and Hakeem Jeffries remains strong.
The decision ultimately lies with President Biden and his close confidante, First Lady Jill Biden. As the political landscape evolves, all eyes will be on the upcoming polls and the president’s next moves. For now, the debate over Biden’s candidacy continues to ignite passionate discussions within the Democratic Party.