The White House says US President Joe Biden will meet Democratic congressional leaders this week. The move comes after last week's televised debate fueled calls for his withdrawal from this year's presidential election.
Biden's shaky performance during the event against former President Donald Trump prompted a major US newspaper to publish an editorial calling on Biden to drop out of the race.
On Tuesday, Democratic Representative Lloyd Doggett issued a statement saying, "Instead of reassuring voters, the President failed to effectively defend his many accomplishments and expose Trump's many lies." The statement says Biden should make the painful decision to withdraw.
US media say Doggett became the first congressional Democrat to openly make such a call.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Tuesday, "We understand the concerns. We get it the President did not have a great night." She added, "This week, the President will speak with Hill leaders and Democratic governors."
Biden apparently intends to continue his election campaign. It has been announced that he will begin visiting two battleground states later this week for campaign events.