Joe Biden’s campaign trail took him to Pennsylvania this weekend, a crucial swing state, as he sought to reassure Democrats of his viability as their candidate for the 2024 presidential election. This comes amid increasing pressure from within his own party to step aside following a lackluster debate performance against Donald Trump.
Reports have surfaced that several high-profile Democratic lawmakers, including Jerry Nadler of New York and Jamie Raskin of Maryland, have urged House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to convince Biden to drop out of the race. Other representatives, such as Mark Takano of California, Adam Smith of Washington, and Joe Morelle of New York, have echoed these sentiments. The Guardian has not independently verified these reports, but the growing list of dissenters highlights the internal strife within the Democratic Party.
Despite the mounting pressure, Biden remains defiant. He and First Lady Jill Biden made multiple stops in Pennsylvania, including a church service in Philadelphia and a campaign event in Harrisburg. At the church, Biden received a warm welcome, with congregants chanting “Four more years!” and the senior pastor, J Louis Felton, praising Biden for bringing the country “back to prosperity.”
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, who has faced his own challenges in debates due to an auditory processing disorder, stood by Biden. “I know what it’s like to have a rough debate and I’m standing here as your senator,” Fetterman said. “There is only one guy that has ever beaten Trump and he is going to do it twice and put him down for good.”
Biden’s campaign in Pennsylvania is part of a broader effort to demonstrate his capability and resolve. He told the churchgoers, “We must unite America again. That’s my goal. That’s what we’re going to do.” This message of unity is central to his campaign, as he seeks to rally support amid growing doubts about his candidacy.
Meanwhile, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has called for both Biden and Trump to take cognitive tests, citing concerns about their fitness for office. “This is a wake-up call for the country,” Graham said. “We need to make sure that the people who are going to be in the line of succession are capable of being commanders in chief under dire circumstances.”
The internal Democratic debate over Biden’s candidacy is intensifying. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has convened a high-level meeting with ranking Democrats to discuss the issue. Some, like Representatives Maxine Waters and Bobby Scott, continue to support Biden, while others suggest that Vice President Kamala Harris could be a viable alternative if Biden steps down.
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders has also weighed in, signaling his support for Biden but urging him to focus on progressive economic policies. “What we have got to focus on is policy,” Sanders said. “He’s got to promise the American people that if they give him a Democratic Senate, a Democratic House, re-elect him, he’s going to do that in the first 100 days.”
House Democrat Adam Schiff suggested that Biden should seek advice from a broader range of people to make the best decision for the country. “I think Joe Biden should take the time to talk to people outside of his immediate circle, talk to people he respects, people with objectivity, people with distance, and make the right decision for the country,” Schiff said.
Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut also emphasized the importance of Biden addressing voters’ concerns. “I think that he’s got to go out there this week and show the American public that he is still that Joe Biden that they have come to know and love,” Murphy said. “If he answers those questions this week, there’s no doubt that he can win this race.”
As Biden continues his campaign, the Democratic Party remains divided. Some members believe he can still lead them to victory, while others are calling for new leadership. The coming weeks will be crucial for Biden as he seeks to prove his detractors wrong and solidify his position as the Democratic nominee.
In the meantime, Biden’s campaign events in Pennsylvania are a testament to his determination to stay in the race. He is focusing on key swing states and engaging directly with voters to rebuild confidence in his leadership. Whether this strategy will be enough to quell the growing calls for him to step aside remains to be seen.
Source: The Guardian, CBS, CNN, NBC News
