President Joe Biden faced a challenging week, with Democratic lawmakers urging him to drop out of the 2024 race, a demanding campaign schedule testing his stamina, and a high-stakes TV interview highlighting concerns about his age and health.
However, when gunshots rang out at a Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening, political dynamics shifted dramatically. The horrific attack on Trump prompted bipartisan condemnations and paused the Biden campaign’s political activities.
Biden had a tense call with moderate House Democrats
Biden postponed his Texas trip and addressed the nation from the Oval Office, calling for a reduction in political tensions. The attack also temporarily halted calls within Biden’s party for him to abandon his campaign, as some allies hoped for party unity in the face of national trauma.
Biden’s return to the campaign trail in Nevada will test his ability to campaign against Trump despite a nation reeling from the attack. His upcoming interview with NBC’s Lester Holt now holds heightened importance.
Democratic operatives had viewed the days following Biden’s NATO summit press conference as crucial for his campaign, despite growing calls for him to step aside. Despite a stronger solo news conference, concerns persisted, especially among donors withholding major contributions.
Following the attack on Trump, discussions about Biden’s campaign paused but did not stop entirely. Biden spent the first 24 hours post-attack reassuring the nation through multiple speeches and briefings from law enforcement agencies.
Earlier on Saturday, Biden had a tense call with moderate House Democrats, defending his record and addressing concerns about his mental acuity affecting national security.
Biden’s allies, including Rep. Jim Clyburn and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, pushed for party unity, emphasizing the need to work together for success. Despite Schumer’s positive remarks about his meeting with Biden, concerns about the campaign’s momentum remained.
While Biden’s campaign was in survival mode, advisers hoped his Detroit speech would quell concerns and effectively challenge Trump. Meanwhile, Republicans moved forward with their national convention in Milwaukee, rallying around Trump as images of the defiant former president became iconic.
