Senator Elizabeth Warren hedges on supporting Biden's 2024 bid, while nearly 30 Democratic congressmembers call for him to withdraw from the race amidst concerns over his mental health and electability.
As President Biden faces mounting pressure to step down from his 2024 presidential bid, Democratic leaders are grappling with a difficult choice: whether to support the incumbent or seek a new standard-bearer.
Senior Democrat officials have urged Biden to make a final decision over the weekend, recognizing the party's growing unease with his candidacy. "It's a fairly universal sentiment internally that we have reached the end of the road," one Biden aide admitted.
Biden's Political Future Hangs in the Balance as Democrats Urge Him to Step Down
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a prominent progressive voice, has repeatedly hedged on expressing full-throated support for Biden. In a recent MSNBC interview, she emphasized that Biden has "a big decision to make" and that he needs to "make it clear" that he is "up to the job."
Warren's hesitation echoes the concerns raised by nearly 30 Democratic congressmembers who have publicly urged Biden to end his campaign. Senator Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, argued that Biden should "step aside to ensure that we have the best possible candidate to defeat Donald Trump."
Biden's Political Future Hangs in the Balance as Democrats Urge Him to Step Down
The calls for Biden's withdrawal have been fueled by concerns over his age, his perceived mental decline, and the rising popularity of potential challengers like California Governor Gavin Newsom.
"Joe Biden is a good man," said Representative Dean Phillips, D-Minn. "But it's clear that he's not up to the job of being President of the United States anymore."
Biden's Political Future Hangs in the Balance as Democrats Urge Him to Step Down
Despite the growing opposition, Biden has remained defiant, vowing to stay in the race and fight for a second term. "I'm not going anywhere," Biden told reporters last week. "I'm running for reelection."
Biden's team has defended his mental health, citing positive feedback from doctors and highlighting his sharp performance in recent public appearances. They have also pushed back against calls for him to drop out, arguing that he is still the best candidate to defeat the Republican nominee.
Biden's Political Future Hangs in the Balance as Democrats Urge Him to Step Down
However, the Democratic National Convention is set to follow through on plans for an early roll call nominating Biden as their presidential candidate next month. The vote is expected to serve as a mere rubber stamp for the Biden campaign, but it could further solidify his status as the party's presumptive nominee.
The Democratic Party faces a crucial crossroads as it weighs the potential risks and rewards of renominating Biden. With time running out, the party must decide whether to stay the course with an incumbent who has drawn significant criticism or embrace a new path with an untested challenger.
