I think the claim is that the planning started after the disastrous debate. The inner circle of the DEM party knew he was going out, but was orchestrating a "he isn't going anywhere, he will remain our nominee"-narrative in the media before and during the RNC.
Ah, that makes more sense. Could easily see them reacting to that debate and coming up with a strategy to turn it to their advantage in the near-term. That sort of relatively reactive and opportunistic planning should be within the Democrats' capabilities, even if their long-term strategic thinking is questionable.
I think the claim is that the planning started after the disastrous debate. The inner circle of the DEM party knew he was going out, but was orchestrating a "he isn't going anywhere, he will remain our nominee"-narrative in the media before and during the RNC.
Ah, that makes more sense. Could easily see them reacting to that debate and coming up with a strategy to turn it to their advantage in the near-term. That sort of relatively reactive and opportunistic planning should be within the Democrats' capabilities, even if their long-term strategic thinking is questionable.