Legislators, funders, and strategists are nonetheless worried about Biden's reelection despite his TV interview
Representative Angie Craig of the Minnesota House formally urged Biden to withdraw from the presidential contest on Saturday.Craig wrote in a statement on Saturday morning, "This is not a decision I've come to lightly, but there is simply too much at stake to risk a second Donald Trump presidency." "For this reason, I humbly request that President Biden resign from his position as the Democratic nominee for a second term in office to make room for a new generation of leaders to assume the presidency.”
After urging Biden to step down, Craig is now the fifth Democrat in the House. Shortly before the entire 22-minute interview with ABC News aired on Friday, Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., made his own revelation during an interview on MSNBC.They join an increasing number of Democratic strategists, lawmakers, and fundraisers who are beginning to doubt Biden's capacity to defeat Trump in the race. Reps. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Seth Moulton (D-Mass), and Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) have also openly urged Biden to resign.Following the airing of the ABC News interview, David Axelrod, a senior counselor to former President Barack Obama, stated, "The president is rightfully proud of his record." However, he is dangerously disconnected from the worries that people have for his future prospects and standing in this contest.
Some of Biden's closest allies, including former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., openly confirmed worries about Biden's suitability for reelection earlier this week. For example, Pelosi stated that it was "legitimate" to inquire about whether Biden's debate performance was an isolated incident or an indication of a longer-term issue.
Pelosi and Clyburn both stated that they continue to back the president in his bid for a second term in office.
Jeffries' Sunday meeting
In an attempt to allay the fears of his worried supporters, Biden made a number of calls and met with Pelosi, Clyburn, and a group of Democratic governors on Wednesday.While the number of Democrats voicing their concerns about Biden continues to rise, the majority of the fear is being expressed behind closed doors.
According to NBC News, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., is planning to set up a virtual gathering of Democratic committee ranking members on Sunday, where Biden will probably be discussed.
According to the NBC News story, Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., is attempting to call a gathering of Democratic senators next week to discuss Biden's reelection issues and the potential effects they may have on races further down the ballot.
Losing the backing of donors
In the meantime, Biden has been receiving alarm calls from the donor class."We must rise above the gerontocracy!" Michael Novogratz, the CEO of Galaxy and a Democratic supporter and crypto billionaire, said something on social media early on Saturday. "We have to take over and hand the reins to the team that has been leading for the last thirty years! Now is the moment.
Before withdrawing from the contest, Novogratz had previously supported the campaign of Democratic opponent and longshot Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn.
After Trump's disastrous debate performance on June 27, a number of polls, notably those from the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times/Siena College, have shown that Biden is losing ground to the president. His debate performance is primarily noted for the times he stammered, occasionally struggled to construct complete phrases, or appeared to hesitate mid-answer in order to collect his thoughts.
"That episode wasn't good. Nothing to suggest a major illness. I was worn out. "It was a bad night because I didn't follow my instincts about preparation," Biden said in the Friday interview with George Stephanopoulos of ABC News.
The president firmly stated that he has no intention of withdrawing from the 2024 election.
"I would withdraw from the race if the Almighty said to me, Joe, to get out of it," stated Biden. "However, the Almighty Lord is not descending.”
