President Joe Biden has firmly stated his intention to run for re-election in the upcoming November 5th U.S. election, dismissing concerns raised by fellow Democrats on Capitol Hill and donors about the potential cost to their party. Biden, at the age of 81, asserted that any candidate harboring doubts about his capabilities should challenge him at the Democratic National Convention in August. However, such a challenge faces an uphill battle unless Biden allows delegates from the primaries to consider other candidates. In a phone call to MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program, Biden declared, “The bottom line here is that I am not going anywhere,” reiterating the message to donors in a private call later in the day.
This week presents a critical juncture for Biden as he seeks to bolster his campaign, which has been on the defensive since a shaky debate performance against Republican Donald Trump on June 27th. The debate sparked concerns about his ability to serve another term. A number of congressional Democrats have publicly called for Biden to step aside, while a larger contingent has expressed worry that concerns about his age and capabilities, coupled with his low approval ratings, could negatively impact their chances of retaining control of the Senate and reclaiming the House.
Democratic Representative Adam Smith issued a strong statement urging Biden to withdraw, citing his “alarming” performance in the debate and “unacceptable” subsequent responses. Smith argued, “Any candidate for the highest office in our nation has a strong burden to bear. That candidate must be able to clearly, articulately, and strongly make his or her case to the American people. It is clear that President Biden is no longer able to meet this burden.”
Senator Dick Durbin, the Senate’s No. 2 Democrat, acknowledged that Biden’s candidacy would be a subject of discussion this week, stating that he had spoken with numerous colleagues who held diverse viewpoints. Representative Joe Morelle, another Democrat, revealed that many of his constituents expressed concerns about Biden’s ability to serve as president but stopped short of calling for his withdrawal. “The bigger question is, how does he dispel concerns that were raised from his performance in the debate?” Morelle posed.
Several Democratic lawmakers suggested that the campaign should provide Biden with more unscripted moments in front of voters. “Let Joe be Joe,” Senator Alex Padilla advised. Biden’s halting debate performance prompted some to question whether he was experiencing a neurological disorder like Parkinson’s disease, which can manifest as slurred speech and impaired movement. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre clarified that Biden received a clean bill of health in February and is not undergoing treatment for the disease. She added that his doctor has indicated further testing is unnecessary.
The potential implications of a Republican victory, capturing both the White House and Congress, would significantly reduce constraints on Trump’s ability to implement major policy changes. Despite the concerns, some lawmakers remain steadfast in their support for Biden’s candidacy. Representative Steven Horsford, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, voiced his support on social media, stating, “President Joe Biden is the nominee and has been selected by millions of voters across this country.” Black voters constitute a crucial component of the Democratic base.
In a letter to fellow Democrats, Biden acknowledged their concerns but emphasized the need to set them aside. This week presents a busy schedule for Biden, as he will host a meeting of NATO member states, culminating in a rare solo press conference on Thursday.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that one in three registered Democratic voters believe Biden should withdraw from the race, with 59% of respondents within the president’s party considering him too old for government service. However, the same poll indicated that none of his potential replacements performed better in a hypothetical matchup against Trump. The poll found Biden and Trump tied at 40% each.
Biden’s challenges appear to be increasing the number of races Democrats need to be concerned about in November. Internal party polling suggests that New Mexico and Virginia have become more competitive following the debate, according to a source familiar with the findings. Additionally, the nonpartisan Center for Politics at the University of Virginia recently shifted its ratings on Michigan and Minnesota, making them slightly more favorable for Republicans. These states will host some of the most competitive House races in the upcoming election.
