Democratic Dilemma: Biden Faces Intensifying Calls to Step Aside
With mounting pressure from within his own party, Joe Biden's re-election campaign hangs in the balance. Top Democrats are divided as the president pushes forward.
Published July 21, 2024 - 00:07am
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President Joe Biden is finding himself in an increasingly precarious position as he faces mounting pressure from within his own party to step aside and not pursue re-election. This internal party strife emerges even as Biden remains resolute in his commitment to defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
Illinois Representative Sean Casten is among the latest of congressional Democrats to voice his concerns, emphasizing that despite Biden's past performance and future promises, the political climate is fixated on 'senior moments' rather than capabilities. Casten joins a growing list of over 20 congressional Democrats, including Senators Peter Welch and Jon Tester, advocating for Biden to pass the torch.
Meanwhile, Biden remains adamant about his candidacy. Declaring his resolve to get back on the campaign trail, Biden asserted, 'The stakes are high, and the choice is clear. Together, we will win.' His campaign chair, Jen O'Malley Dillon, reiterated on MSNBC that the president is 'absolutely' in the race, discounting any speculation of a withdrawal.
The tension within the Democratic Party isn't just limited to individual lawmakers. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), a critical faction within the party, displays a spectrum of support ranging from enthusiastic to skeptical. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a member of the CBC, remains a steadfast supporter, urging the party to rally behind Biden. Yet, a small but growing number of CBC members now publicly express doubts.
Adding fuel to the fire, Biden's recent struggles have prompted key Democratic figures, including former President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, to privately express concerns over his candidacy. The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is fast approaching, adding pressure to make definitive decisions. Reports indicate Biden may announce his plans to stay or withdraw as soon as this weekend.
Biden's steadfast approach has not quelled the dissatisfaction among top donors either. High-profile figures such as George Clooney and Abigail Disney have ceased their financial support, reflecting broader apprehensions about Biden's leadership. On the other hand, Vice President Kamala Harris continues to assure donors that the presidency remains in capable hands, despite the speculations in the media. Harris emphasized her confidence, stating, 'We know which candidate in this election puts the American people first: Our president, Joe Biden.'
As Biden isolates due to a recent COVID-19 diagnosis, polls show him trailing behind Trump in key battleground states, exacerbating an already tense situation. The Democratic narrative is replete with concerns over Biden's age and health, especially given his poor performance in a recent debate, which reignited the debate on his viability as a candidate.
Supporters argue that Biden's ability to win should not be underestimated. Representative Joyce Beatty, a former chair of the CBC, insists, 'Biden is at his best against the odds.' Additionally, influential progressives like New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have voiced the strategic risks of entering the DNC without Biden as the presumptive nominee, warning of potential legal challenges and ballot access issues.
In the House, divisions are stark, illustrated by Representative Marc Veasey's call for Biden's withdrawal, labeling it the 'responsible and patriotic thing' to do. Contrasting this view, Representative Gwen Moore expresses unwavering loyalty, stating, 'I am a Biden delegate. I will only take directions from Joe Biden.'
The CBC's internal disagreement underscores a broader discord within the Democratic Party, reflecting the stakes of the election. High turnout and unified support from Black voters, instrumental in Biden's 2020 victory, are seen as crucial. Concerns over dwindling enthusiasm among Black Americans add another layer of complexity to Biden's candidacy.
As the Democratic Party navigates this political quagmire, the critical question remains whether Biden will heed the growing calls to step down or continue to champion his bid in an election seen as pivotal for the party and the nation.