Facing mounting pressure from within his own party, President Joe Biden is reportedly determined to continue his bid for reelection. Despite growing calls from Democratic lawmakers to step aside, Biden plans to return to the campaign trail next week, countering the “dark vision” of his rival, Donald Trump.
More than 30 Democrats have urged Biden to reconsider his campaign following a lackluster debate performance against Trump. Isolated at his Delaware beach house due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, Biden has been consulting with family and close aides, resisting the push to withdraw.
Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown added his voice to the calls for Biden to step down, stating, “I think the president should end his campaign.” Similarly, Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized that “the stakes of this election are too high.”
Biden addressed these concerns by highlighting the importance of unity and his commitment to defeating Trump. “Together, as a party and as a country, we can and will defeat him at the ballot box,” Biden declared. “The stakes are high, and the choice is clear. Together, we will win.”
Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s campaign chair, admitted that support has waned but affirmed that Biden is staying in the race, with “multiple paths” to victory. “We have a lot of work to do to reassure the American people that, yes, he’s old, but he can win,” she said on MSNBC.
The Democratic National Committee is proceeding with plans for a virtual roll call to nominate their candidate before the convention in Chicago later this month. Biden’s closest allies, including Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), have called for private discussions about his future, away from public scrutiny.
Concerns about Biden’s chances have been voiced by prominent Democrats like former President Barack Obama and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. They worry that Biden’s continued candidacy could jeopardize the party’s control of the House.
While Biden’s illness has kept him away from the campaign trail, discussions among Democratic lawmakers have included potential alternatives, such as Vice President Kamala Harris. A poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about 60% of Democrats believe Harris would make a good president, though opinions vary.
Despite the pressure, Biden remains focused on his campaign. He plans to return to the campaign trail next week, aiming to rally support and present his vision for America’s future.
