Marco Julian Serrano Joe Biden, the President of the United States, is increasing pressure from his own Democratic party to not run the 2024 presidential election. Many Democratic lawmakers influential figures have expressed uncertainty about Biden’s chances of winning against the Republican candidate Donald Trump.
Sen. Sherrod Brown Asks President Biden to Withdraw
Sen. Sherrod Brown (DOhio) recently voiced his opinion that Biden should not run for reelection. Being one of the more vulnerable Democrats in the Senate, he highlighted that it was necessary to direct focus on issues critical to Ohio citizens. He made comments about subjects like job growth efforts in Ohio, resources for law enforcement to counteract fentanyl, protection of Social Security and Medicare from cuts and refusal of a national abortion ban. Brown stated that all attention should turn back to these crucial issues and recommended President Biden end his campaign.
Democratic Representatives Agree
Representative Hillary Scholten (DMich.), who represents a competitive district, also suggests that President Biden step aside. She showed worry towards how this presidential competition could affect smaller scale political contests. “It’s time for Joe Biden to pass the torch,” Scholten declared, mirroring other lawmakers’ expressions.
Last Friday another five House Democrats joined these voices asking for Biden’s withdrawal, Reps. Jared Huffman (DCalif.), Marc Veasey (DTexas), Chuy Garcia (DIll.), and Mark Pocan (DWis.). They released a collective statement requesting that President Biden ” pass the torch to a new generation of Democratic leaders.”
- Huffman and Veasey are well known members within the Congressional Black Caucus.
- Marc Veasey is the Caucus’s first member to publicly ask President Biden to step aside.
Senate Democrats Speaking Out
Sen. Jon Tester (DMont.) and Sen. Martin Heinrich (DN.M.) also support these calls for Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential bid. Heinrich expressed, “While the choice to withdraw from the campaign rests with President Biden alone, I believe it would be in our country’s best interest for him to step down.”
Doubts About Biden’s Fitness
These appeals for Biden’s withdrawal are driven by concerns about his age and capability to hold office, a situation worsened by his recent debate performance against Trump. Polls indicate that public opinion regarding Biden’s abilities have become steady, making it hard for his campaign to rebound.
In an opening for the Chicago Tribune, Representative Sean Casten (DIll.) wrote, “It’s time for Joe Biden to pass the torch. As long as this election centres on which candidate is held accountable more frequently for public mistakes and ‘senior moments,’ I believe that not just will Biden lose but he is particularly unable to change that narrative.”
Biden’s Rebuttal
Despite mounting pressure, President Biden has publicly maintained his determination to stay in the race. “I am keen on getting back on the campaign trail next week both to point out Donald Trump’s Project 2025 agenda threat while advocating my own record and vision of America,” was what the President stated.
Jen O’Malley Dillon, Chair of Biden’s campaign echoed this position saying on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program, “The president is definitely participating in this competition. You’ve heard him repeat this many times.”
Internal Discussion among Team
However, in private, talks of President Biden possibly backing down have started among his aides and close associated people. Based on information from sources near Biden, he is more and more resistant to what he sees as a plan by Democratic leaders, including former President Barack Obama to force him out.
While recuperating from Covid at his Delaware beach house, he showed displeasure towards allies like Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer who were instrumental in pushing his legislative wins through. The dissatisfaction towards Obama originated from a belief that the former president is masterminding these calls for withdrawal.
- Biden has been increasingly irritated at media coverage reporting warnings on potential defeat in November from Democratic leaders.
- Biden also felt Obama’s recent silence denotes an underlined suggestion for him to step back.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming Democratic National Committee convention in August brings into focus possible contenders for Biden’s position if he decides not to run. Vice President Kamala Harris is one probable candidate. However, her capability of defeating Trump is uncertain. Prominent Democratic senators and governors are other possible candidates too.
The Democrats are carefully balancing their support for the current president while readying for a new potential candidate due to the political uncertainty. As this situation progresses, both strategy and unity within the party will play crucial roles in its success in the upcoming election.
Featured Img Src – Adam Schultz , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
