President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign faced significant turbulence on Wednesday as prominent figures within the Democratic Party and influential supporters voiced concerns about his ability to secure a victory against Republican challenger Donald Trump. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi’s noncommittal stance, coupled with actor and major donor George Clooney’s suggestion that Biden should step down, has intensified the debate over the president’s future in the 2024 race.
Late Wednesday evening, Vermont Senator Peter Welch became the first Senate Democrat to publicly call for Biden to withdraw from the election, citing the high stakes involved. Welch’s statement, along with similar sentiments from other Democratic lawmakers, underscores the growing unease within the party about Biden’s chances of defeating Trump.
Pelosi, appearing on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” refrained from explicitly endorsing Biden’s continued candidacy, stating, “It’s up to the president to decide.” She emphasized the urgency of Biden making a decision soon, as time is running short. This cautious approach from Pelosi, a key figure in the Democratic Party, highlights the uncertainty surrounding Biden’s campaign.
The situation is critical for Biden and the Democratic Party, as they grapple with the possibility of having the incumbent president step aside just weeks before the Democratic National Convention. The convention is set to nominate the party’s candidate for reelection, and any changes at this stage would be unprecedented.
Biden’s recent performance at the NATO summit in Washington, where he hosted world leaders, was seen as an opportunity to demonstrate his capability despite concerns raised by his shaky performance in the first presidential debate with Trump. However, the debate performance has left many Democrats questioning his ability to win in November.
Senator Welch, in a Washington Post opinion piece, expressed his concerns about Biden’s debate performance, describing it as “disastrous.” This sentiment is echoed by other Senate Democrats who have privately voiced their doubts about Biden’s chances in the upcoming election.
Despite these concerns, Biden continues to enjoy strong support from key segments of his coalition, particularly within the Congressional Black Caucus. Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota emphasized the importance of unity within the party, stating, “Democracy is on the line. Everything we value as Democrats, as a country, is on the line, and we have to stop being distracted.”
Pelosi’s comments are being closely watched as an indicator of the party’s direction. Her lack of a full endorsement for Biden’s continued campaign is significant, given her influential position and close relationship with the president. Actor George Clooney, who recently hosted a major fundraiser for Biden, also expressed doubts about Biden’s ability to win, citing his debate performance as a key concern.
Clooney’s opinion piece in the New York Times called on key Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, to ask Biden to step aside. Clooney argued that the party needs a new candidate to ensure victory in November, suggesting potential replacements such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado also voiced concerns about a second Trump presidency, describing it as a moral issue for the country’s future. He stopped short of calling for Biden to drop out but emphasized the need for the president to consider his options.
Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut expressed deep concern about Biden’s ability to win the election, calling it an existential issue for the country. Similarly, Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia expressed confidence that Biden would make the right decision for the country.
Biden’s campaign is now working to shore up support, with senior advisers meeting with Senate Democrats to address their concerns. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reiterated his support for Biden, emphasizing the importance of defeating Trump in November.
Pelosi praised Biden’s accomplishments and his performance at the NATO summit, urging Democrats to hold off on any announcements about his campaign until the week’s events conclude. She encouraged private discussions rather than public statements about Biden’s candidacy.
Clooney’s call for Biden to step down has resonated with other prominent Hollywood Democrats, including Rob Reiner and Michael Douglas. Reiner, in particular, has been vocal about the need for a younger candidate to take on Trump, citing the existential threat to democracy.
As Biden participates in high-stakes meetings with NATO allies and prepares for a solo news conference, the pressure on his campaign continues to mount. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether Biden remains the Democratic nominee or if the party will seek a new candidate to lead them into the 2024 election.
Source: Associated Press, CNN, BBC News
