Top Democratic congressional leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, are set to hold a meeting to discuss the path forward for President Joe Biden's re-election campaign, as concerns about his electability continue to mount within the party.
With the 2023 presidential election approaching, President Joe Biden's Democratic allies are grappling with growing concerns about his ability to lead the party to victory. In the wake of a series of stumbles and controversies, top Democratic congressional leaders are convening meetings to address the situation and consider their options.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is scheduled to lead a virtual meeting with top Democrats on Sunday to discuss Biden's campaign strategy and the path forward for the party. The meeting, which will include Jeffries and key committee Democrats, is not a full caucus meeting, but it reflects the urgency within the party to address concerns about Biden's performance.
Biden's Fledgling Re-election Campaign Faces Internal Scrutiny Amidst Calls to Withdraw
Biden's recent 22-minute interview with ABC News, which was intended to assuage fears about his cognitive abilities, has instead raised further doubts among Democrats. ABC News chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl remarked, "There's nothing in this interview that is calming the nerves of jittery Democrats who fear that Joe Biden is on a trajectory to lose this race."
Despite the concerns, Biden has taken a defiant stance, stating that he will continue his campaign unless "the Lord Almighty were to come down and say, ‘Joe, get outta the race.'" However, this stance has not quelled the worries of Democratic lawmakers, who fear that a lackluster performance by Biden at the top of the ticket could jeopardize the party's chances in Congressional races.
Biden's Fledgling Re-election Campaign Faces Internal Scrutiny Amidst Calls to Withdraw
In response to the mounting concerns, some Democrats have openly urged Biden to step aside. Among them is Adam Frisch, a Democratic congressional candidate from Colorado, who argued on Fox News that it is "really important" for the sake of the country for Biden to withdraw.
Others within the party remain steadfast in their support for Biden. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has urged Democrats to avoid panic, arguing that "panicking or freaking out has made a situation better." He emphasized Biden's previous victory over former President Donald Trump as a reason for confidence.
Biden's Fledgling Re-election Campaign Faces Internal Scrutiny Amidst Calls to Withdraw
The internal turmoil within the Democratic party is a reflection of the profound challenges facing Biden. The president's approval ratings have been consistently low, and his handling of the economy and other issues has come under fire from both Democrats and Republicans.
The upcoming meetings among Democratic lawmakers are likely to be contentious, as they grapple with the difficult decision of whether to support Biden in the face of growing doubts or to advocate for a change in leadership. The outcome of these meetings could have a significant impact on the trajectory of Biden's presidency and the future of the Democratic party.
Biden's Fledgling Re-election Campaign Faces Internal Scrutiny Amidst Calls to Withdraw
