Democrats Urge Biden to Exit Presidential Race Amid Growing Concerns
A faction within the Democratic Party is increasingly pressing for President Joe Biden to step down from the 2024 race, as worries escalate over his electability against former President Donald Trump.
Published July 07, 2024 - 00:07am

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President Joe Biden's path to maintaining his position in the White House faces mounting obstacles as significant figures within the Democratic Party express growing concerns over his electability. The aftermath of his debate performance has led to a recalibration of battleground states, traditionally Democratic strongholds, which are now showing signs of favoring the Republican Party.
In a detailed analysis from the Washington Examiner, political forecasters have downgraded states like Minnesota from 'likely Democratic' to 'leans Democratic' and shifted Michigan into the toss-up category. Such changes underscore the challenges Biden faces against Donald Trump. Even Democratic stalwarts in traditionally blue states like New Hampshire and Virginia are watching developments closely.
Amidst these shifting dynamics, numerous Democratic leaders are sounding the alarm. In Politico's report, Governors Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico and Janet Mills of Maine are questioning Biden's viability in their respective blue states—a sentiment echoed by several other party members. Additionally, influential voices within the Senate, including Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, have been reported by the Washington Post as organizing a group of Democratic senators to urge Biden to withdraw from the race.
At the epicenter of this internal turmoil is the perception of Biden's ability to command the campaign against Trump. As reported by Townhall, Warner's concerns are rooted in Biden's debate performance. The senator's apprehensions are privately shared among Senate Democrats who believe Biden's current trajectory may not be sustainable. The issue is complicated by the belief that Biden's close advisors are not providing an accurate assessment of his campaign's vulnerabilities. This has led to discussions of potential interventions, such as a direct meeting with Biden at the White House to express these concerns.
ABC News reported how Biden's interview with George Stephanopoulos brought these internal tensions to the forefront. Biden's mistaken identity gaffe, where he confused Warner with another senator, was seen by many as indicative of his deteriorating mental acuity. Republican political consultant Ana Navarro in Twitchy argued that it is unreasonable to scrutinize Biden's statements to such a degree, suggesting that these are natural 'cognitive fluctuations' rather than glaring issues.
Across various Democratic factions, there is hesitance and a 'wait-and-see' approach, as noted in articles from Detroit News and Common Dreams. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has reportedly advised senators to postpone actions until more reliable polling data is available. Meanwhile, progressive leaders like Senator Bernie Sanders and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries continue to support Biden, emphasizing his policy accomplishments over his debate capabilities.
Despite these efforts to maintain unity, a divide persists within the party. Some leading progressives and centrists argue that Biden's poor polling against Trump necessitates a stronger candidate. This sentiment is backed by major Democratic donors who have even initiated an escrow fund intended to support a potential replacement candidate if Biden steps aside.
On the other side of the spectrum, staunch supporters insist on Biden's candidacy. Common Dreams highlighted Biden's defiant stance during his interview with Stephanopoulos, where he dismissed calls for him to exit the race and reaffirmed his belief in his suitability for the presidency. Biden emphasized his administration's achievements, including leading the country out of the pandemic and taking significant climate actions, asserting that no one else is more qualified to win the race.
The debate over Biden's future is not only political but deeply personal, as many within the Democratic Party have known and worked with him for decades. This ongoing internal struggle reflects broader uncertainties about the upcoming election and the best strategy for ensuring a Democratic victory. As Democratic senators and key donors convene to navigate this precarious situation, the political landscape remains in flux, with Biden at the center of this pivotal moment in American electoral politics.