In Wilmington, Delaware, President Joe Biden remains resolute about his 2024 re-election bid, asserting that the decision lies with the voters, not the Democratic establishment. Despite increasing calls from within his party for him to step aside, Biden stands firm, emphasizing that the election is a voter-driven process.
The chorus of Democratic voices urging Biden to reconsider his candidacy is growing. Donors, strategists, lawmakers, and constituents have expressed concerns about his age and ability to serve another term. This sentiment was echoed by Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota, who recently stated that Biden should step aside to allow a new generation of leaders to emerge. Craig’s comments reflect a broader unease within the party, especially in key suburban districts that were crucial for Biden’s 2020 victory.
With the Democratic convention approaching and the election just four months away, the party faces a critical juncture. Senior lawmakers, including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Rep. James Clyburn, are working to rally support for Biden. Clyburn, a key ally, emphasized that Biden is the leader the country needs, despite the growing dissent.
On Saturday, Biden’s campaign announced that the president participated in a biweekly meeting with his campaign’s national co-chairs, including Clyburn, to discuss their commitment to winning the 2024 race. However, the silence from many House Democrats suggests that not all are convinced by Biden’s recent efforts to reset his campaign.
Biden had no public schedule on Saturday, taking a step back from the recent fervor. However, he plans to resume campaigning in Philadelphia on Sunday, aiming to move past the recent debate and focus on the upcoming NATO summit and a scheduled news conference. Vice President Kamala Harris, campaigning in New Orleans, avoided questions about Biden’s candidacy.
The president’s recent interview with ABC, intended to reinvigorate his campaign, received mixed reactions. Some within the White House and the Democratic Party expressed concerns that the interview did not sufficiently address the issues at hand. Campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez has been urging lawmakers and officials to refrain from publicly voicing their concerns about Biden’s electability.
Democrats are grappling with the president’s performance and the path forward. Biden’s suggestion that he would give his all, even if defeated in a rematch with Trump, was seen by some as an insufficient response. Hawaii Gov. Mark Green noted that much could change in the coming months, emphasizing the need to respect Biden’s decision-making process.
As Biden’s team encourages lawmakers to give him a chance to prove his capabilities, some Democratic aides believe the recent interview may have exacerbated concerns. Democratic leaders in the House and Senate are organizing meetings to discuss options, with some lawmakers hearing from constituents who are questioning Biden’s ability to lead.
A Democratic donor reported that many fellow donors were frustrated by Biden’s reluctance to address concerns about his age. These donors are seeking a change in leadership at the top of the ticket. Despite this, Biden remains defiant, telling voters at a Wisconsin rally and reporters that he is not stepping down. He dismissed calls for his ouster, citing support from 20 lawmakers who encouraged him to stay in the race.
Concerns about Biden’s fitness for another term have been persistent. An August 2023 poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 77% of U.S. adults believe Biden is too old to be effective for another four years. This sentiment is shared by 89% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats. Biden’s approval rating stands at 39% in the most recent AP-NORC poll.
Biden has dismissed these polls, pointing to his 2020 victory and the 2022 midterm elections as evidence of his ability to win. He remains confident in his qualifications and ability to lead, despite the challenges. During the ABC interview, Biden emphasized the importance of large, energetic rallies and criticized Trump for his handling of the COVID pandemic and other issues.
Republicans, meanwhile, are united behind Trump, whose support has been growing despite his legal troubles. Trump, at 78, is three years younger than Biden and continues to draw large crowds at his rallies.
As the 2024 election approaches, Biden’s defiance underscores his belief that the decision ultimately rests with the voters. Despite the growing calls for him to step aside, Biden remains committed to his re-election bid, confident in his ability to lead the country for another term.
Source: Associated Press, ABC News
