Pressure Mounts on Biden as Key Democrats Urge Him to Reconsider 2024 Candidacy

A growing number of Democratic leaders are calling on President Joe Biden to rethink his bid for reelection in 2024. Amid increasing concerns about his viability as a candidate, key figures such as former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have shared their reservations with allies and directly with Biden.

This internal struggle within the party is sparked by the recent fallout from Biden’s performance in a debate against Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, which many considered disastrous. As a result, nearly three dozen Congressional Democrats have publicly urged him to withdraw from the race, expressing worries that his continued candidacy could jeopardize the party’s chances of regaining control of the House in the upcoming elections.

Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, who is facing a challenging reelection campaign, was one of the latest lawmakers to voice his concerns, stating that, in line with sentiments expressed by many constituents in Ohio, he believes it would be best for Biden to end his campaign. Similarly, Representative Morgan McGarvey lamented the situation, acknowledging that it was difficult to admit Biden is not the right nominee for November. However, he stressed that the stakes of this election were simply too high.

Despite the growing pressure from within his own party, Biden has adamantly insisted that he is capable of winning against Trump, framing the Republican’s recent convention speech as a presentation of a “dark vision” for the future. Amid his ongoing battle with COVID-19, he plans to return to the campaign trail next week, determined to shift the focus back to his administration’s agenda rather than the doubts surrounding his candidacy.

While Biden continues to project confidence, members of his campaign acknowledged some ‘slippage’ in support. Jen O’Malley Dillon, the President’s campaign chair, commented that they see multiple paths to victory and emphasized voters’ hesitance to support Trump, even amid concerns over Biden’s age and experience.

Private discussions among Democratic lawmakers have also surfaced, revealing some are beginning to rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential alternative nominee. This conversation reflects a recognition that a significant portion of the Democratic base may be ready to explore different leadership if Biden steps down. Harris has had calls with major Democratic donors to express her confidence in the current ticket, asserting that both she and Biden are committed to winning the election.

As Biden works to recover from his COVID diagnosis at his Delaware beach house, the urgency to assess his political future remains high. Conversations around possibly redefining the Democratic ticket ahead of the planned virtual roll call in early August are gaining traction as many leaders fear that the party may not sustain its momentum under Biden’s banner.

Pressures continue to mount as public sentiment shifts, with many Democrats expressing doubt about Biden’s ability to win against Trump. A recent poll indicated that nearly two-thirds of party members believe he should step aside and allow the party to nominate a different candidate. This sentiment comes despite assertions from Biden’s campaign that no plan for an alternate nominee is in motion.

Democratic Senate leaders, including Senators Brown and Heinrich, alongside Representatives like Jared Huffman, Mark Veasey, and Sean Casten, have emphasized the long-term significance of ensuring that the party is united behind a strong candidate capable of safeguarding democracy. Brown noted that by stepping back, Biden could solidify his legacy while uniting the party under a candidate with a clearer path to defeating Trump.

These developments lead to rising discussions surrounding Harris’s potential as a presidential candidate. Supporters are quietly strategizing how her campaign could operate if Biden opts to withdraw. However, there has been no formal endorsement or messaging from Harris regarding a possible campaign, indicating a delicate balance as the party navigates its internal dynamics.

Despite these complications, Biden’s campaign remains operational. His aides are continuing to engage with donors and activists in preparation for the upcoming elections, highlighting that they are still committed to his presidency. While internal discussions about Biden’s future intensify, his recovery from COVID and his willingness to resume campaigning reflect a commitment to persevere amid opposition.

With the party convening for the convention soon, the running dialogue among Democrats reveals a landscape of uncertainty, as more lawmakers are now recognizing Biden’s faltering support amid fears of losing the critical elections. The coming weeks will be crucial for determining not only Biden’s political future but also the trajectory of the Democratic Party as it approaches a potentially contentious election season.