President Joe Biden is eager to “get back on the campaign trail next week,” reaffirming his intention to stay in the race despite growing calls from fellow Democrats for him to step aside as the party’s nominee. “The stakes are high, and the choice is clear. Together, we will win,” he declared. This statement seemed to address rumours that Biden’s inner circle is debating his future in the race.
In recent weeks, Biden has faced mounting pressure to withdraw, with party leaders urging him to step down, a decline in major donations, and concerns that his decision could jeopardize Democratic control of Congress. The Democratic National Convention is set for August 19, but the Democratic National Committee plans to meet virtually in early August to officially nominate Biden to meet state ballot deadlines.
On Friday, Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico became the third senator to suggest Biden step aside. “By passing the torch, he would secure his legacy as one of our nation’s greatest leaders and allow us to unite behind a candidate who can best defeat Donald Trump and safeguard the future of our democracy,” Heinrich stated on X, formerly known as Twitter.
His call follows similar sentiments from Senator Jon Tester of Montana and Congressman Jim Costa of California. Additionally, Representatives Jared Huffman, Marc Veasey, Chuy Garcia, and Mark Pocan released a joint statement urging Biden to “step aside as our nominee” out of respect for his service and accomplishments but recognizing the need for new leadership. Congressman Sean Casten of Illinois also expressed doubts about Biden’s ability to defeat Trump, urging him to pass the torch to a new generation.
Other House members, including Zoe Lofgren, Kathy Castor, Morgan McGarvey, Greg Landsman, and Betty McCollum, echoed these calls on Friday. Reports suggest senior Democratic leaders are also concerned about Biden’s candidacy. Although Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have reportedly voiced their concerns privately, Pelosi’s staff claims her comments were misrepresented, and Jeffries publicly supports Biden.
Former President Barack Obama has allegedly stated that Biden’s chances of winning the election have significantly diminished. Amidst this turmoil, Biden remains quarantined at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, after testing positive for Covid-19. He is experiencing mild symptoms, according to the White House.
Despite a lackluster debate performance last month, Biden has maintained his commitment to running, though his stance on stepping down has shifted. Initially telling ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos that “only the Lord Almighty” could make him step down, he recently told BET that he would reconsider his campaign if a doctor advised him of a serious medical condition.
A campaign memo released on Friday reinforced Biden’s determination: “Joe Biden has made it more than clear: He’s in this race and he’s in it to win it. Moreover, he’s the presumptive nominee — there is no plan for an alternative nominee. In a few short weeks, Joe Biden will be the official nominee. It is high past time we stop fighting one another. The only person who wins when we fight is Donald Trump.”
Add Comment