Illinois Dems: "We have our work cut out for us"

• Illinois Democrats have mixed views on what they think the president should do.

What they're saying: "Voters were presented with a clear choice — a president working hard every day to improve the lives of all Americans or a convicted felon, a selfish blowhard looking out only for himself," Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement moments after the end of the debate.

• "The contrast between these two men was clear before the debate — it is even clearer now."

Driving the news: Following the lead of Pritzker, most elected Illinois Democrats are toeing the party line, spinning Biden's disastrous performance back toward his opponent, former President Trump.

• Pritzker has been rumored as a possible replacement if Biden isn't fit to continue.
• Political insiders tell Axios Chicago that while most state Democrats would support that move, they won't speak publicly for fear of retribution.

The intrigue: If Biden did reverse course and stepped down from the ticket, it would make for a historic Democratic National Convention.

• Because of Ohio ballot deadlines, the party plans to choose the nominee before the party descends on Chicago.

The vibe: We reached out to Democratic pundits, analysts and elected officials to get their take on the current firestorm:

Delmarie Cobb, Democratic strategist: "None of us are happy with Joe Biden's performance last night, but I don't think that points to an inability to be president of the United States. We know that he is not feeble or feeble minded. All the debate did for Democrats is just remind us we have our work cut out for us."

Illinois Rep. La Shawn Ford, DNC delegate: "You are not supposed to react to a bad debate. We know he's aged, but Democrats have to do what's best for the country. For us to respond spontaneously and whimsically that he should step down after a debate is not a good plan."

• "Joe Biden provides a level of stability. He knows what's at stake and I think unseating him at this point could hurt Democrats and hurt the nation."

Valerie Martin, partner at Silversmith Strategies: "President Biden has had one hell of a presidency. He saved the country from a second Trump term and his decision now will determine if we can do that again."

• "Whether it's in a focus group or just conversations with friends and family, voters are telling us they desperately want different choices. Winning starts with respecting and listening to the voters."

Ja'Mal Green, former mayoral candidate: "It's past time for Joe Biden to step down if Democrats want a pathway to success. Listen to your younger voters, do what's best for the party and not what's best for the ego of the establishment. The youngest candidate will win this election. Think about that, Democrats."

Laurie Glenn, Democratic consultant: "Joe Biden has been a great president. He saved us from Donald Trump and from the potential of totalitarianism. Now the greatest gift he can give us is to allow new leaders to step forward and build upon the work his administration has done."

Becky Carroll, Democratic strategist: "He had a bad night, but that doesn't negate four years of a stellar record as president, and Trump is still Trump. We've got four long months to remind voters what the difference is between having a great leader vs. a crap leader in that office."

Ameya Pawar, former alder and current DNC delegate: "I'm proud and honored to be a delegate for President Biden. He has had perhaps the most consequential presidency in history. My advice to everyone is to take a breath."