Title: Growing Concerns Within Democratic Party Over President Biden’s Candidacy
Numerous officials, lawmakers, and strategists within President Biden’s own party are expressing increasing doubts about the sustainability of his candidacy, with private anxieties now spilling into public view. Interviews with over 50 Democrats this week revealed a growing sentiment that President Biden’s presence on the ticket could jeopardize their chances of maintaining the White House and impact other candidates down the ballot.
Representative Scott Peters of California voiced his diminishing confidence in the campaign’s ability to win, suggesting that exploring other options may be necessary. Representative Angie Craig of Minnesota even went as far as urging Mr. Biden to step aside as the Democratic nominee, citing concerns about his ability to effectively campaign and defeat Donald Trump.
Lawmakers have been inundated with concerns from donors and constituents regarding Mr. Biden’s candidacy, with some members of the Democratic National Committee also expressing reservations. A former high-ranking Obama administration official and a senior aide to a prominent Democratic governor privately described Mr. Biden’s standing in the campaign as “untenable.”
Despite public expressions of support for the president from some leading Democrats, there is a growing movement within the party to assess alternatives to Mr. Biden through private polling and discussions about breaking publicly from his candidacy. A new group called Pass the Torch is organizing delegates ahead of the convention to show support for a different candidate.
While Mr. Biden remains defiant and vows to stay in the race, concerns about his age and abilities have been amplified since the first presidential debate. Polls indicate that a majority of voters believe he is too old to serve another term as president, adding to the pressure on the campaign.
As the debate within the Democratic Party intensifies, the question of whether Mr. Biden should step aside and who could potentially replace him remains unanswered. The coming weeks may see further discussions and actions from party members as they navigate this unprecedented situation.
In the midst of these challenges, Senator Chris Coons and other Biden allies continue to offer their support, emphasizing the importance of keeping the campaign going despite the growing concerns. The decision ultimately rests with Mr. Biden, who faces a critical juncture in his bid for re-election.
The future of the Democratic Party’s presidential campaign hangs in the balance as internal divisions and external pressures converge, shaping the path forward for President Biden and the party as a whole.
