As Biden Perseveres, An Increasing Number of Supporters Seek to Oust Him
TL/DR –
Several officials, lawmakers, and strategists in the Democratic party are doubting President Biden’s ability to continue his candidacy for his re-election, according to over 50 Democrats. This comes from concerns over his age, debate performance, and ability to win the race; some suggest that his presence on the ticket jeopardizes the party’s ability to maintain the presidency. Despite this, Biden remains defiant and insists on not dropping out of the race, while others believe a new nominee should be considered.
Widespread Anxiety Among Democrats Over Biden’s Candidacy
Increasing numbers of officials, lawmakers, and strategists within President Biden’s party are privately expressing concerns about his candidacy as they perceive it to be unsustainable. Interviews with over 50 Democrats reveal the growing sentiment that Biden’s continued candidacy may jeopardize their party’s hold on the White House and other democratic candidates.
Representative Scott Peters and Angie Craig, both Democrats, have publicly voiced their waning confidence in Biden’s ability to win, while other party members have described his standing as “untenable”.
Despite visible support and silence from leading Democrats, private concerns about Biden’s campaign viability proliferate, with a senior White House official suggesting Biden should not seek re-election. Anonymous accounts from those close to the President also point to signs of fatigue and diminished sharpness.
Biden Refuses to Step Down Amid Controversy
In response to these concerns, Biden has assured his intention to stay in the race. As Democrats privately explore alternative candidates, Biden maintains a defiant stance, insisting that his re-election campaign remains undeterred.
Donors are funding private polling to assess how alternatives to Biden would fare, with one strategist predicting a flood of public defections from the President in the near future. A new campaign, ‘Pass the Torch’, has also launched to organise delegates and persuade Biden to step aside.
Debate Over Biden’s Candidacy Continues
The debate over Biden’s age and capabilities is not limited to party insiders and voters. Polls, including a recent survey by The New York Times and Siena College, show a majority believe Biden is too old for a second term.
Despite these concerns, many DNC members and key party activists still voice their support for Biden, asserting that the upcoming election remains a choice between Biden and Trump. Among them is Virgie M. Rollins, chair of the DNC’s Black caucus, who has expressed her unwavering support for Biden.
Others, however, tread cautiously, wary of the unpredictability and potential chaos of finding a new nominee so close to Election Day. Within this camp, there is no agreement on whether the party should rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris or conduct an open nominating process if Biden steps down.
Regardless of the debate, the central question remains who is the best candidate to prevent a Trump victory. With less than four months to the election, this question looms ever larger in the minds of Democrats nationwide.
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