Democrats debate Biden's future: To resign or rally? Inside the high-stakes meeting

House Democrats had a crucial closed-door meeting on Tuesday at their national party headquarters in Washington, D.C., as members debated whether to continue supporting President Joe Biden's reelection campaign or not.

It is the first time all the members gathered since Biden's catastrophic debate with former President Donald Trump last month caused a full-blown campaign crisis. During the meeting, lawmakers were allowed to use their phones.

Democrats became alarmed by the incumbent's weak, raspy performance in the debate, leading some influential fundraisers, commentators, and supporters to publicly call on Biden, 81, to drop his pursuit for an additional four years in office.

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According to media reports, the increasing chorus includes at least nine current House Democrats.

However, not many other House Democrats and none of the Democratic senators have agreed to support them in their demand for the change, which could be a very dangerous move with less than four months before Election Day.

Refusing to back down, Biden has stated that he still thinks he is the best choice to challenge Trump in the general election. Since the debate, he has attempted to get support from important groups, notably the Congressional Black and Hispanic Caucuses.

“I made clear publicly the day after the debate that I support President Joe Biden and the Democratic ticket. My position has not changed,” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has also declared he supports Biden.

NBC reported that House Democrats met at 9:00 AM ET. Senate Democrats are planning a caucus meal on Tuesday afternoon.

A small group of demonstrators, dressed in suits and sunglasses, with posters that said "Is Joe Biden fit for office?", in all caps, were outside the Democratic National Committee building.

The demonstrators claimed to be from the National Republican Campaign Committee, according to media reports.

(With inputs from agencies)