Biden says he won’t step aside and wants party drama to end
President Joe Biden is facing mounting pressure from within the Democratic Party, with calls for him to drop out of the race following a lackluster debate performance that has left many party members in a state of turmoil.
In response to the growing internal crisis, Biden penned a letter to congressional Democrats urging an end to the intraparty drama that threatens to divide them in the critical run-up to the general election in November. He emphasized the urgent need for party unity to defeat presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.
With only 42 days left until the Democratic Convention and 119 days until the general election, Biden stressed the importance of a clear and unwavering focus on the goal of defeating Trump. In his letter, he called for Democrats to come together and move forward as a cohesive force against the current president.
In a subsequent phone interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Biden expressed his frustration with party officials calling for him to step aside, asserting that the support of average Democrats was what mattered most to him. He challenged his critics to either announce their own presidential candidacy or rally behind him in the fight against Trump.
Despite Biden’s defiance, anxiety is running high among top-ranking Democratic lawmakers who are divided on whether the president should stay in the race. Some are calling for Biden to step aside, while others remain steadfast in their support, believing he is the best candidate to defeat Trump.
As the deadline for decision-making looms closer, Democratic lawmakers are grappling with difficult questions about Biden’s political future and the impact his candidacy could have on their own reelection prospects. The situation is further complicated by Biden’s ongoing participation in the NATO summit, which is unfolding in Washington this week.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is working to bring lawmakers together for private discussions before revealing his own stance on the matter. However, internal divisions were evident during a recent call with House committee members, where opinions on Biden’s candidacy varied widely.
While some members, including Rep. Jerrold Nadler and Rep. Jim Himes, voiced support for Biden to step aside, others like Rep. Maxine Waters and Rep. Bobby Scott stood firm in their backing of the president. The lack of clear direction from party leadership has left many lawmakers feeling frustrated and uncertain about the path forward.
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, a key figure in the decision-making process, has been fielding calls from lawmakers seeking guidance on the situation. Pelosi has publicly supported Biden, despite acknowledging questions about his debate performance that need to be addressed.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has maintained a low profile throughout the ordeal but will convene Democratic senators for discussions on the matter. Senators like Mark Warner and Alex Padilla have emphasized the need to refocus on campaigning and showcasing Biden’s strengths to voters.
While concerns about Biden’s candidacy persist, Democratic candidates in House and Senate races continue to see strong fundraising support, viewed by donors as a crucial defense against Trump’s reelection. House Democrats, in particular, have experienced a surge in fundraising following events with prominent party figures like former President Barack Obama.
As Democratic candidates navigate the uncertainties surrounding Biden’s candidacy, the advice has been to concentrate on building their individual profiles and highlighting the impact of their work on local communities.
