The Democratic Party found itself in a state of paralysis on Saturday as President Joe Biden, facing mounting pressure to withdraw from his re-election bid, remained unmoved. This comes after a week of intense maneuvering within the party to replace Biden with a candidate perceived as more likely to defeat Donald Trump.
Since his problematic debate against Trump, the 81-year-old Biden has faced growing demands to step aside due to concerns over his age and cognitive ability. Despite his efforts to address these concerns through interviews, press conferences, and speeches, the party’s unease persists.
According to the New York Times’s Maureen Dowd, one prominent Democrat lamented, “Everyone’s waiting for Joe to make a decision. Meanwhile, he’s at home, caught in a cycle of doubt and indecision. We’re handling this the Democratic way, which means we’re not handling it well.”
Joe Biden expressing his intent to return to the campaign trail next week
The frustration among Democratic leaders over Biden’s reluctance to step down has been compounded by reports that Biden privately criticizes former aides of Presidents Obama and Clinton for their advice on campaign strategy, especially after their midterm election failures which he had managed to avoid in 2022.
The Times also noted that Biden’s refusal to withdraw, despite calls for him to do so, might provoke him to stay in the race out of defiance. Some advisors speculate that Biden may hold off on any decision until after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Washington.
However, many donors argue that now, following the Republicans’ convention and before the Democrats’ event in Chicago is the perfect time for Biden to step aside and allow a new candidate to emerge.
The image of a Covid-stricken disillusioned Biden mulling his future from a Delaware beach house contrasts sharply with the mounting pressure from senior Democrats like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and current Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who are urging him to at least reconsider his candidacy.
Virginia Representative Gerald E. Connolly expressed the urgency of addressing the situation promptly, noting that the ongoing drama highlights the harsh realities of political calculations.
According to the Washington Post, while the Biden family has not convened an emergency meeting, they continue their regular communications. There is rising discontent within the family, which has benefited from Biden’s long career in Delaware, driven by hopes that his poor debate performance could still be overcome through a vigorous campaign and loyalty display.
In recent days, several Democratic officials have publicly praised Biden’s record while warning of a potential Trump presidency if he remains the party’s nominee. Sherrod Brown, an Ohio senator, became the latest high-profile figure to call for Biden to end his campaign, citing critical issues that need focus.
Behind the scenes, there is a vigorous lobbying effort by top Democrats and donors to persuade Biden that he risks his legacy and the party’s chances if he continues. This internal pressure is pushing Biden and his closest advisors to consider announcing himself as a one-term president and backing a successor, likely Kamala Harris.
Despite reports of Biden wavering, his campaign remained defiant on Friday, with Biden expressing his intent to return to the campaign trail next week. He emphasized the stakes of the election and his vision for America, maintaining that he is committed to his bid.
Prominent allies such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders have supported Biden, arguing that the alternative scenarios could lead to more peril for the party. Ocasio-Cortez, in particular, cautioned against pushing Biden off the ticket, warning of potential chaos and divisions within the party that could ensue.
Recent polls show Biden trailing Trump, especially in key battleground states, while Republican campaigners suggest that traditionally safe Democratic states might become competitive. Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the potential for important party divisions if Biden is removed, emphasizing the need for unity and action in the face of urgent issues impacting marginalized communities.
