Joe Biden’s reelection bid is facing unprecedented challenges, culminating in what could be the most high-pressure presidential news conference in modern history on Thursday.
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Joe Biden’s Political Crisis
In just 24 hours, Biden’s political foundation has cracked, raising the stakes for his solo appearance at the conclusion of the NATO summit. Pressure mounts as supporters from Congress to Hollywood urge him to step aside for the party’s and country’s sake. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has sent a clear signal that the president should reconsider his options.
The rebellion, though joined by a small minority of congressional Democrats, reflects the growing fear on Capitol Hill that ex-President Donald Trump could engineer a GOP landslide, seizing control of Congress, the White House, and the Supreme Court.
Mounting Pressure on Biden
Some Democrats are increasingly worried that Biden’s determination to run again, despite his perceived declining skills, could jeopardize the democracy he aims to protect.
Biden, adamant about not passing the torch to a younger Democrat, faces three critical challenges: fracturing support within his party, dwindling fundraising, and damning polling data. As Biden engages with world leaders at the NATO summit, these factors are converging to threaten his bid for a second term.
The Upcoming Press Conference
Nothing less than Biden’s hopes for a second term will be on the line at the news conference, scheduled exactly two weeks after his disorienting debate performance sent his campaign into a tailspin. This event follows a series of public appearances that have cast doubt on Biden’s health and cognitive capacity, where any misstep could spell political disaster. Signs of confusion or lapses in reasoning could reinforce the perception of presidential infirmity and fuel a stunning Democratic revolt.
Joe Biden’s Political Crisis: Cracks Within the Party
The day began with Pelosi, a significant party power broker, contradicting Biden’s claim that his nomination and debate performance were settled issues. Appearing on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” she stated that Biden must decide if he’s going to run, a comment widely interpreted as a call for him to reconsider. This offered Biden another chance to gracefully step aside after he insisted earlier in the week, “I’m not going anywhere.”
Throughout the day, similar signals emerged from lawmakers. Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres and moderate Rep. Pat Ryan expressed concerns about Biden’s viability as a candidate. Vermont Sen. Peter Welch became the first Democratic senator to publicly urge Biden to withdraw, suggesting in a Washington Post op-ed that Biden reassess his candidacy.
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Party Support and Campaign Challenges
Top Biden campaign officials are set to meet with Democratic senators on Thursday to bolster support for the president, but a staff briefing may fall short of convincing members demanding proof of Biden’s strength to beat Trump.
Just 24 hours ago, Biden appeared to be stalling momentum against him. Now, his position seems increasingly untenable, raising questions about party unity at the Democratic National Convention in August if lawmakers believe Biden’s nomination would doom their chances in the election.
Lawmakers’ concerns are significant because they reflect voter sentiment and polling data in their states. Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet warned that Biden’s candidacy could hand Trump a landslide victory, potentially enabling an authoritarian agenda.
High-Profile Defections
One of the most personally stinging defections came from actor and Democratic mega-donor George Clooney, who recently attended a fundraiser with Biden. In a New York Times op-ed, Clooney expressed admiration for Biden but doubted his viability as a candidate, stating, “We are not going to win in November with this president.”
Clooney’s op-ed underscored the human ordeal Biden faces, as his health and capacities become public debate fodder. Clooney’s deep connections with Democratic donors and office holders give his views significant weight. Another Democratic strategist revealed that fundraising is currently on hold, with donors in a wait-and-see mode pending Biden’s Thursday news conference and subsequent interview with NBC’s Lester Holt.
Polling and Voter Sentiment
Public and private polling reflect Biden’s slipping support. Rep. Elissa Slotkin noted Biden trailing Trump in private Michigan polls, indicating a narrow path to the 270 Electoral Votes needed for reelection.
The Democratic Dilemma
The deepening crisis within the Democratic Party jeopardizes not just Biden’s nomination but also provides Republicans with endless attack ad fodder. Candidates could face scrutiny for supporting a nominee many Democrats deem unfit for a second term. The recent scrutiny over Biden’s age and faculties has also shifted focus away from Trump, undermining a potential comparative advantage for Democrats.
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, a senior Biden campaign advisor, warned Democrats to unite behind the president to avoid a “suicide mission” so close to the election.
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Conclusion
As Joe Biden’s political standing continues to rapidly deteriorate, the central question becomes how much longer he can maintain that he’s the only Democrat capable of defeating Trump.
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[…] scrutiny and division within the Democratic Party. While some lawmakers and donors have called for Biden to step aside, the campaign maintains that he is committed to running and winning the 2024 […]