A Biden campaign official stepped in and stopped voters from talking to the press at a Las Vegas event featuring Vice President Kamala Harris because they criticized President Biden’s debate performance.
A pool report from Ms. Harris’ press office from a New York Times journalist said Clio Calvo-Platero, the deputy communications director for the Biden campaign’s Nevada operation, cut off the voters once they questioned the president’s mental acuity.
Voter Amy Nelson said the debate was “terrible” and was immediately interrupted by Mr. Calvo-Platero when she said, “You can’t tell me that there’s not anyone better.”
The Biden campaign official stopped her mid-sentence.
“We’re at a Joe Biden event, so I’m going to cut you off there, sorry,” according to the pool report written by Simon Levien.
Another voter, Stephen Stubbs, who identified as undecided, criticized Mr. Biden’s “mental acuity,” asking, “Who’s running the country?”
Mr. Stubbs said Ms. Harris should be the nominee if Mr. Biden steps aside.
“Let Kamala in,” he said, according to the dispatch.
Mr. Calvo-Platero again intervened.
“I’m going to stop it here, sorry. If I can, it’s a Biden event. Is that OK?” he said.
The event was aimed at reaching out to Hispanic voters and featured several Democratic politicians including Ms. Harris, Nevada Sens. Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez-Masto, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Grisham.
Ms. Harris acknowledged Mr. Biden’s poor debate performance at the event, insisting the race won’t be decided based on “one night in June.”
Mr. Biden’s widely panned performance, featuring a raspy voice, trailing answers and a low-key stage presence, sparked widespread panic in the Democratic Party and talk of replacing him as the nominee.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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