President Joe Biden faces mounting opposition within his own party following a stumbling debate performance against Republican rival Donald Trump. This has intensified concerns about Biden’s age and mental acuity, which have been recurring issues in public opinion polls. Biden’s re-election campaign has struggled over the past two weeks, and now, some elected Democrats are publicly calling for him to withdraw from the race.
The first prominent Democrat to voice such concerns was Peter Welch, a first-term senator from Vermont, who suggested Biden step aside “for the good of the country.” Welch’s call for Biden to end his candidacy joins the voices of at least nine Democratic members of the House of Representatives who share similar sentiments. This reflects a growing worry among Democrats that Biden’s continued candidacy could jeopardize not only the presidency but also the party’s control of both chambers of Congress.
However, not all Democrats are in agreement. Some high-profile lawmakers believe Biden should remain in the race, and others, such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have avoided making definitive statements on the matter. The upcoming solo news conference, Biden’s first in almost eight months, is expected to be a critical moment. Scheduled for 5:30 PM Eastern Time (2130 GMT), the president will address concerns related to his age and mental fitness and other pressing issues. This appearance comes after a debate where Biden seemed to lose his train of thought and struggled with answers, further fueling doubts about his capabilities.
Biden’s solo news conference is anticipated to follow a format similar to his last one, where he called on select reporters for pre-arranged questions, followed by a few spontaneous queries. His previous solo news conference, in November 2023, ended controversially with Biden referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “dictator,” which drew a sharp rebuke from China. The president’s ability to handle this press event effectively is crucial, as his off-the-cuff remarks in the past have sometimes backfired, such as mixing up the presidents of Egypt and Mexico during an impromptu news conference in February.
In the lead-up to the news conference, Biden’s top aides, including campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon, will meet with Democratic senators to rally support. The White House is aware of the stakes, especially with a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showing Biden and Trump tied at 40% each, while other polls indicate Trump gaining a lead. Additionally, Biden’s fundraising advantage over Trump has diminished, with some high-profile Democratic donors, like actor George Clooney, urging him to step aside.
Biden, however, remains firm in his decision to continue his campaign. Despite the growing dissent, party rules make it challenging for another candidate to secure the nomination unless Biden voluntarily steps down. If Biden were to withdraw, the party would need to quickly decide whether to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris or give other potential candidates, such as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer or Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, an opportunity to compete.
The president’s struggle to maintain support within his party is compounded by his age-related concerns and the pressure from Democratic donors and voters alike. His ability to reassure his party during the upcoming news conference and demonstrate his capacity to lead effectively will be pivotal. As the Democratic National Convention approaches, the party faces the daunting task of unifying behind a candidate who can not only challenge Trump but also galvanize voter confidence and secure a victory in the general election.
President Biden’s re-election campaign is at a critical juncture, facing internal opposition and skepticism about his fitness for office. The national dialogue within the Democratic Party, intensified by his recent debate performance, will significantly shape the trajectory of the 2024 presidential election. The upcoming news conference represents a crucial opportunity for Biden to address these concerns and solidify his standing within the party.
