Ahead of President Biden's pivotal press conference, Congressional lawmakers depart Washington with mixed reactions, while Democrats face pressure to step aside in a new poll.
President Biden's upcoming solo press conference is a crucial test of his fitness for a second term, as concerns about his mental and physical capabilities linger. On Thursday, Congressional lawmakers left Washington hours before the event, offering diverse perspectives on Biden's ability to handle the task.
Some Democrats expressed muted optimism, while others insisted that Biden would rise to the occasion. Republicans, who have consistently argued that Biden is not fit for office, predicted that he would display the same signs of aging that he showed in the CNN Presidential Debate last month.
Biden's Solo Press Conference: Can He Address Concerns About His Fitness for Office?
Biden's last solo press conference was held eight months ago, and his nomination for a transgender inmate recommendation has recently been blocked amid controversy. The White House has also been criticized for denying media requests to interview Biden's doctor.
A recent poll reveals a growing number of Democrats who believe that President Biden should step aside in the 2024 race. The poll indicates that a significant majority of Democrats are concerned about Biden's fitness for office, even as the horse race between Biden and former President Trump remains tied.
Biden's Solo Press Conference: Can He Address Concerns About His Fitness for Office?
This result adds to the chorus of calls from within the Democratic Party for Biden to withdraw from the race. Some Democrats are openly urging Biden to drop out, while others are leaning towards backing Vice President Harris or an open convention.
Former President Obama has remained silent on reports that he is working behind the scenes to force President Biden out of the 2024 race. Obama's silence is particularly notable given his close relationship with Biden and his previous criticisms of Biden's performance as president.
The rumors of Obama's involvement have fueled speculation about the level of support Biden has within his own party. If Obama is indeed working to undermine Biden, it would be a significant blow to the president's re-election chances.
Former President Trump has fired back at actor George Clooney for calling for a new Democratic nominee, labeling him a "rat" for turning on President Biden. Trump's response highlights the deep divisions within the Democratic Party over Biden's candidacy.
Trump's campaign has also accused Democrats of using fear-mongering tactics in the aftermath of Biden's disastrous debate performance. The campaign argues that Biden is the best choice for the presidency and that the country cannot afford to elect Trump again.
President Biden's fundraising has taken a significant hit amid the rising chorus of calls from Democrats for him to end his re-election campaign. The decline in donations reflects the growing concerns within the party about Biden's fitness for office and the potential consequences of nominating him for a second term.
Trump has seized upon the decline in Biden's fundraising as evidence of his own strength and the weakness of his opponent. The former president has repeatedly mocked Biden's fundraising efforts, claiming that he has raised more money in a single day than Biden has in months.
Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal lawyer, has filed a petition with the Supreme Court, asking the court to review his defamation lawsuit against the former president. Cohen alleges that Trump lied about him during an interview on Fox News, damaging his reputation and costing him money.
The Supreme Court's decision to grant or deny Cohen's petition will be closely watched, as it could have implications for other defamation cases involving public figures. If the court agrees to hear the case, it would be a blow to Trump and could potentially lead to a significant financial judgment against him.
