On Friday, President Joe Biden urged for party unity to confront former President Donald Trump’s “dark vision” and to resist pressure from high-ranking Democrats to withdraw from the 2024 election in favor of a new nominee. Biden, who is currently isolated at his Delaware beach house due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, faces increasing calls from Democratic members of Congress to step aside. Despite this, Biden remains steadfast in his belief that he can defeat Trump, relying on his family and a few long-time aides for support.
In a statement, Biden criticized Trump’s acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, describing it as portraying a “dark vision for the future.” He emphasized that the focus should shift from his candidacy to the challenges posed by Trump’s agenda. Biden plans to return to the campaign trail next week and maintains that he has a viable path to victory, despite concerns from prominent party members.
Biden’s campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, acknowledged a decline in support but insisted that Biden is committed to the race and sees multiple ways to defeat Trump. She noted that while voters may have concerns about Biden’s age, they are not switching their support to Trump.
The Democratic National Committee’s rulemaking arm is proceeding with plans for a virtual roll call before August 7 to nominate the presidential candidate, ahead of the party’s convention later in the month in Chicago. Biden’s closest friend in Congress, Sen. Chris Coons, stressed that Biden deserves the respect to have important family conversations without battling leaks and press statements.
Amidst these developments, influential Democrats like former President Barack Obama and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi have privately expressed concerns about Biden’s chances and suggested that he step aside. Some Democratic lawmakers have also publicly called for Biden to exit the race to allow the party to unite behind a new candidate.
Despite these pressures, Biden has received key endorsements, including from the political arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and remains committed to his campaign. However, there is still time for reconsideration, and some key Democrats believe that Biden’s departure could secure his legacy and strengthen the party’s chances in the election.
Biden, who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, dismissed the idea that it is too late for him to recover politically, stating that many people do not focus on the election until September. However, Democratic lawmakers are having private conversations about potential alternatives, including Vice President Kamala Harris.
A recent poll indicates that nearly two-thirds of Democrats believe Biden should step aside, while a majority think Harris would make a good president. Amid the ongoing debate, many influential Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, are expressing concern but also acknowledge that the current ticket can win.
Overall, while Biden’s commitment to the race remains firm, the Democratic Party faces significant internal debate and pressure as it navigates the path to the 2024 election.
