President Joe Biden has firmly rejected calls for him to step down from his reelection campaign, urging an end to the internal strife that has plagued the Democratic Party since his lackluster debate performance last month. In a letter addressed to congressional Democrats, Biden emphasized the importance of unity in the face of the upcoming election, stressing that the party’s primary objective is to defeat the presumptive Republican nominee, Donald Trump, in November.
Biden’s letter, distributed by his reelection campaign, underscored the urgency of the situation. “We have 42 days to the Democratic Convention and 119 days to the general election,” he wrote. “Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us. It’s time to come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump.”
The letter was part of a broader effort by Biden and his campaign to consolidate support within the Democratic Party. Despite the initial wave of criticism and calls for him to step aside, Biden’s allies have rallied to his defense, attempting to drown out the dissenting voices. By late Monday, a surge of public support from key Democratic figures had emerged, signaling a potential shift in the party’s internal dynamics.
In a phone interview with MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Biden expressed frustration with the calls for him to step down, asserting that “average Democrats” want him to stay in the race. He challenged his critics to either announce their own candidacies or rally behind him in the fight against Trump. “They’re big names, but I don’t care what those big names think,” Biden said.
First Lady Jill Biden also campaigned on her husband’s behalf, emphasizing his commitment to the race. “For all the talk out there about this race, Joe has made it clear that he’s all in,” she told a crowd in Wilmington, North Carolina. “That’s the decision that he’s made, and just as he has always supported my career, I am all in, too.”
Despite the show of support, some Democrats remain skeptical. A New York Times/Siena College poll revealed that Democratic voters are divided on whether Biden should remain the party’s nominee. On Capitol Hill, opinions are similarly split. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the House’s Congressional Progressive Caucus, voiced her support for Biden, citing the threat of a second Trump presidency. However, Sen. Jon Tester of Montana expressed doubts, stating that Biden needs to prove his capability to lead for another four years.
Biden’s letter did not sit well with all House Democrats. Some lawmakers, feeling out of touch with their constituents, were reportedly furious. Biden attempted to address these concerns by meeting virtually with the Congressional Black Caucus, one of his strongest support blocs in Congress. During the 30-minute call, he outlined his policy proposals for a second term and reiterated his criticism of Trump.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed concerns about Biden’s health, stating that the president had undergone three neurological exams as part of his annual physicals and had not been diagnosed with or treated for Parkinson’s disease.
The internal drama within the Democratic Party is unfolding just over a month before the Democratic National Convention and a week before Republicans gather in Milwaukee to renominate Trump. Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts warned that Democrats risk losing focus on the primary goal of defeating Trump. “We’re losing the plot here,” she said.
Other prominent Democrats, such as Rep. Maxine Waters of California and Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey, have voiced their support for Biden. “I’m tired of all this speculation. I just want to concentrate on the fact that we have to defeat Trump,” Pallone said.
Trump, for his part, predicted that Biden would remain in the race. “It looks to me like he may very well stay in,” Trump told Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity. “He’s got an ego and he doesn’t want to quit. He doesn’t want to do that.”
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has publicly supported Biden, though he is also addressing the concerns of many in his conference. Other House Democrats have been more evasive, avoiding questions about Biden’s candidacy.
Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, publicly called for Biden to step aside, stating that it would be “a mistake” for him to continue his campaign. Biden’s allies, however, expect more direct engagement from the president with lawmakers as he works to solidify his candidacy.
Senators returning to Washington have been cautious in their comments about Biden. Many are waiting for the Democratic caucus meeting to discuss their concerns. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado praised Biden’s past performance but acknowledged the need to ensure the same trajectory moving forward. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reiterated his support for Biden, while Sen. Alex Padilla of California urged Democrats to focus on grassroots efforts.
Despite some discomfort among deep-pocketed donors, strategists working on House and Senate races have reported record fundraising, viewing congressional Democrats as a crucial defense against Trump.
As the Democratic Party navigates this critical juncture, Biden’s determination to stay in the race and his call for unity will be tested in the coming weeks. The party’s ability to rally behind a single candidate and present a united front against Trump will be essential in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
Source: Associated Press
