By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Defiance is ingrained in Joe Biden’s character, just as much as his connection to Delaware. However, following his poor debate performance last week, a rising number of Democratic leaders are urging him to step down for the benefit of the party and the nation.
Democratic Representative Lloyd Doggett of Texas was the first to publicly call for Biden's withdrawal. Doggett, referencing former President Lyndon Johnson's withdrawal from his own re election bid, stated that Biden should similarly step aside.
A growing faction within the Democratic Party, representing diverse segments of the caucus, is concerned about Biden's viability as a candidate. They are encouraging him to reconsider his campaign but are prepared to voice their concerns more openly if he does not step down.
Biden is set to meet with Democratic governors and congressional leaders, following reports of governors expressing anxiety over his debate performance. Many Democrats, including current and former officials and donors, believe Biden should withdraw and hope he will do so this week.
While Biden’s family has rallied around his decision to continue his campaign, blaming staff for his debate missteps, some Democrats see his stubbornness as a barrier to a necessary change. The debate performance has been seen not as an isolated incident but as indicative of deeper issues that could persist.
Several Democratic leaders, including Illinois Representative Mike Quigley and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have raised concerns about Biden’s capabilities and the broader impact on the party. Pelosi has suggested that Biden should participate in multiple interviews to address these concerns.
The stakes have been heightened by a recent Supreme Court ruling granting Trump significant immunity from prosecution, which has increased the urgency among Democrats for Biden to reconsider his candidacy.
Despite calls for change, Biden's campaign is pushing forward, with plans for travel to swing states and a high profile interview with ABC News. However, many Democrats are skeptical of his ability to sustain the demands of another term. Biden’s campaign is working to gauge the impact of the debate on key battleground states and assess the broader political landscape.
Amid the turmoil, some Biden supporters remain hopeful that he can overcome these challenges, drawing on his history of resilience. The campaign has seen a fundraising boost, but internal discussions continue about the best path forward. Biden’s inner circle remains firmly in control, managing the fallout from the debate and maintaining a forward looking stance.
As Biden continues his campaign, the Democratic Party is grappling with deep concerns about his candidacy and its implications for the future.