President Joe Biden’s resolute stance on continuing his presidential campaign despite party concerns about his age and performance poses a significant dilemma for Democrats.
President Joe Biden firmly rejected suggestions to step aside from the presidential race against Republican Donald Trump, creating a challenging scenario for Democrats worried about his age potentially deterring voters.
“I am running and gonna win again,” declared Biden, 81, in a spirited address to supporters in Madison, Wisconsin on Friday. In an interview with ABC News, he asserted his position as the best Democratic candidate to prevent Trump from reclaiming the White House in the November 5 election, stating that only the “Lord Almighty” could persuade him otherwise.
Biden’s shaky and hesitant performance during the June 27 debate with Trump sparked concerns within the Democratic Party about his mental sharpness and endurance. These concerns have led to increasing calls from donors, lawmakers, and party strategists for Biden to end his campaign. However, Biden’s determined statements on Friday did little to alleviate these worries.
The internal party debate about whether to support Biden or to push for a new candidate is expected to intensify in the coming days. Vice President Kamala Harris, scheduled to speak at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans on Saturday, has emerged as a leading contender to replace Biden should he decide to withdraw from the race. Harris expressed her support for Biden in a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, praising his lifelong commitment to fighting for Americans and affirming her readiness to support him.
Recent polls indicate Trump’s lead over Biden is growing, causing anxiety among Democrats about the potential impact on down-ballot races. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia is set to hold a meeting on Monday to discuss Biden’s candidacy and its implications.
Biden’s Saturday schedule includes no public events, aside from attending church. His continued campaign efforts include combating an internal party revolt and addressing concerns about his capability to lead.
During the Friday rally, Biden acknowledged the debate performance criticisms but remained steadfast in his campaign. “We had a little debate last week. Can’t say it was my best performance. But ever since then there’s been a lot of speculation. ‘What’s Joe gonna do? Is he gonna stay in the race? Is he gonna drop out?’ Well here’s my answer: I am running and gonna win again,” he declared.
In his ABC News interview, Biden reiterated that the debate was an off night and downplayed polls showing him trailing Trump. Under persistent questioning from George Stephanopoulos, he dismissed the need for a cognitive test, citing the demands of the White House as a sufficient challenge. His last physical exam on February 28 declared him fit for duty.
Despite criticism, Biden remains focused on defeating Trump and dismissing concerns about his age. “They’re trying to push me out of the race. Well let me say this as clearly as I can: I’m staying in the race! I’ll beat Donald Trump. I will beat him again in 2020,” he stated, before correcting himself to 2024.
Senator Mark Warner’s planned meeting on Monday aims to gauge Democratic senators’ support for Biden. Warner reportedly seeks to encourage Biden to consider stepping aside, a move Biden strongly resists.
Support for Biden from Vice President Harris remains strong, though voices like Illinois Representative Mike Quigley call for Biden to step aside. Quigley warned of potential electoral disaster if Biden continues his campaign.
Biden’s defense of his candidacy also included sharp criticism of Trump, calling him a liar and questioning his intelligence. His determination to continue contrasts with concerns from donors and party leaders. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey urged Biden to carefully consider his decision, highlighting the significance of his role in the 2020 election but acknowledging the need for introspection regarding the 2024 race.
Trump’s campaign has preemptively targeted Harris, attempting to undermine her credibility as a potential candidate. Trump’s disparaging remarks about Biden and Harris continue to fuel the contentious political landscape.
Business and civic leaders have also voiced their concerns, urging Biden to reconsider his candidacy. Despite this, Biden’s former chief of staff, Ron Klain, defended the president, asserting that the Democratic Party should stand behind its pro-labor, pro-people leader.