President Joe Biden is “absolutely not” considering stepping down, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. This statement comes amid questions about Biden’s mindset following a less-than-stellar debate performance last week. Despite some Democratic voices calling for a change, Biden remains steadfast in his commitment to the 2024 race, with First Lady Jill Biden fully supporting her husband’s reelection bid.
Democratic governors have rallied behind Biden, expressing their confidence in his ability to lead. After a meeting with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz affirmed that Biden is “fit for office.” Maryland Governor Wes Moore echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’re going to have his back.”
In a private conversation, Biden acknowledged the critical nature of the upcoming days for his reelection campaign. He conveyed to an ally that he understands the stakes, saying, “It’s just not working,” but remains determined to push forward.
Former President Donald Trump, meanwhile, continues to deal with his legal battles. A Manhattan judge has postponed Trump’s sentencing in his hush money case until September, highlighting the implications of the recent Supreme Court immunity ruling. This delay means Trump won’t face immediate punishment for his felony conviction this summer.
Biden’s upcoming interview with ABC News, set to air as a “primetime special” on Friday evening, is seen as a crucial opportunity for him to demonstrate his readiness for the 2024 race. This will be his first televised interview since the debate, and it offers a platform to address those calling for him to step aside. The interview, conducted by George Stephanopoulos, will also be available in transcript form.
Democratic governors have been vocal in their support for Biden. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and New York Governor Kathy Hochul both took to social media to express their backing. Nine governors attended the White House meeting, with three speaking to the media afterward. They emphasized the importance of unity and the goal of winning in November.
However, some top Democrats in the House have expressed concerns about Biden’s viability. In a call with House Democratic leadership, they discussed the potential chaos that could ensue if Biden were to step aside. The call, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, aimed to ensure all perspectives were heard during this pivotal moment for the Democratic Party.
During the White House meeting, Biden reiterated his determination to defeat Trump in November. Every Democratic governor, except Wisconsin’s Tony Evers, participated in the meeting. Evers’ absence was due to his focus on winning Wisconsin, a key state for Biden’s 2020 victory and crucial for 2024.
The Biden campaign has dismissed talk of a Democratic contingency plan, pointing to the president’s pledge to stay in the race. California Governor Gavin Newsom also reiterated his support for Biden, highlighting his campaign efforts in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, after the meeting, stated that Biden is fit for office and that the conversation was “honest and open.” He emphasized that all governors are united in their goal to win in November, with Biden agreeing on the importance of this objective.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore described the meeting with Biden and Harris as “great” and “honest.” He assured the president of their support, stating, “The president has always had our backs. We’re going to have his back as well.” Moore expressed optimism about the work ahead to secure a victory in November.
In a new interview, Biden admitted to making a mistake during the CNN debate but urged voters to consider his overall record. Despite facing questions about his political future, Biden remains committed to his reelection bid. The White House has insisted that Biden is not dropping out, despite pressure from some Democrats.
Democratic donor Whitney Tilson, who previously supported Biden, now believes the president should step aside to avoid a potential landslide loss in November. Tilson pointed to recent polling showing Biden trailing Trump. A new CNN Poll of Polls finds Trump leading Biden, 49% to 44%, in head-to-head polls conducted after the debate.
Most Americans believe that Trump will not concede if he loses the presidential election in November, according to a new CNN poll. Despite the majority agreeing that the loser should accept the results, only about half of registered voters see Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election as a reason to vote against him in 2024. In contrast, 78% of Americans think Biden will accept the results and concede if he loses.
Massachusetts Representative Seth Moulton is the latest Democratic congressman to voice concerns about Biden’s viability against Trump in the 2024 election. Moulton called on Biden to demonstrate his ability to prosecute his case in the media, at town halls, and campaign stops.
As the 2024 election approaches, Biden remains resolute in his commitment to the race, with the full support of his wife, Jill Biden. The coming days will be critical in shaping the future of his campaign and the Democratic Party’s strategy for November.
Source: CNN
