US President Joe Biden is facing significant pressure from members within the Democratic Party urging him to step down from the presidential race due to concerns about his ability to secure victory against former President Donald Trump.
The BBC reported that despite these calls, Biden remains steadfast in his resolve to run, asserting his belief that he is the best candidate to uphold Democratic values and defeat Trump in the upcoming election.
On Friday, several Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Martin Heinrich, Jon Tester, and Congressman Jim Costa, publicly called for Biden to withdraw from the race. The lawmakers expressed concerns over Biden's chances against Trump and suggested that a new candidate might have a better chance of securing the presidency.
Biden’s inner circle has been engaged in discussions about his future in the race, reportedly weighing the implications of his continued candidacy.
Some of these deliberations are likely influenced by a notable decline in support from significant donors, including high-profile figures like George Clooney and Abigail Disney.
During a call on Friday with worried donors, Vice-President Kamala Harris sought to reassure them, expressing confidence in the campaign’s ability to prevail in the election.
Harris affirmed, "We are going to win this election," underlining her endorsement and support for Biden’s campaign. She further emphasized Biden’s commitment to putting the American people first.
In an interview with MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s re-election campaign chair, reiterated this sentiment, stating, “Absolutely, the president’s in this race.” According to Dillon, Biden remains undeterred despite the escalating internal pressure and has no plans to relinquish his candidacy.
On the same day, a dozen Democratic lawmakers released a joint statement respectfully urging Biden to step aside. “With great admiration for you personally, and deep appreciation for everything we have accomplished together during your presidency, it is now time for you to pass the torch to a new generation of Democratic leaders,” the statement read.
Illinois Congressman Sean Casten echoed this sentiment, highlighting the emotional difficulty of his decision, "It is with a heavy heart and much personal reflection that I am therefore calling on Biden to pass the torch to a new generation."
Despite this mounting pressure, Biden’s resolve appears firm. In a campaign memo circulated recently, Biden’s decisiveness about remaining in the race was unequivocal. He seeks to reassure his supporters that he remains the best candidate to contest against Trump.
Biden is currently under quarantine at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware home after testing positive for COVID-19. During a recent interview with BET, Biden acknowledged the potentiality of stepping down if faced with a serious medical condition but emphasized that current circumstances do not warrant such action.
Referencing Trump’s Republican National Convention speech, Biden drew a stark contrast between his vision for America and that of the former president. He stated, "Donald Trump’s dark vision for the future is not who we are as Americans. Together, as a party and as a country, we can and will defeat him at the ballot box."
The Democratic National Convention, set to begin on August 19, 2024, adds a sense of urgency to these developments, as the Democratic Party prepares for a virtual roll-call vote for the nomination by August 7.
Leah Daughtry, co-chair of the DNC rules committee, discussed the logistical and strategic challenges of running against Biden in the roll-call vote under the current circumstances.
Senior Democratic leaders like Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, and Nancy Pelosi have reportedly voiced concerns about Biden’s capacity to secure victory in the upcoming election. Even former President Barack Obama has been privy to doubts regarding Biden’s chances, adding further weight to the calls for reconsideration of his candidacy.
Nevertheless, Biden continues to receive robust support from significant party factions, including members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus. Notable figures like New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have adamantly backed Biden, stressing the potential risks of attempting to replace him so close to the convention.
Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the uncertainty and turbulence such a move might inject into the party’s efforts, emphasizing the need for unity and stability.
Overall, Biden’s campaign persists against a backdrop of internal party dissent and strategic apprehension. His steadfast determination to run, despite increasing calls for his withdrawal, underscores a central theme of his campaign – a commitment to defeating Donald Trump and defending Democratic values.
The growing pressure Biden faces within his party, the reaffirmation of support from Vice-President Harris, Biden's ongoing health issues, and the upcoming Democratic National Convention.
Despite the calls for Biden to step aside, there remains significant support within the Democratic Party, underpinning his resolve to continue his campaign.
