In a tense standoff within the Democratic party, President Joe Biden continues to face mounting pressure to step down from his re-election campaign. The latest high-profile figure to join the chorus is Sherrod Brown, the embattled senator from Ohio, as a growing number of Democrats express concerns about Biden's ability to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election.

Since his lackluster debate performance against Trump, Biden, at 81 years old, has been attempting to silence calls for him to step aside amid worries about his age and mental acuity. However, a series of interviews, press conferences, and speeches have done little to ease concerns within the party.

The New York Times quoted one top Democrat saying, "Everyone's waiting for Joe, and he's sitting at home, stewing and saying, 'What if? What if? What if?' We're doing things the Democratic way. We're botching it." Frustration within the party establishment is growing as Biden remains firm in his decision to resist calls to end his campaign.

Meanwhile, President Biden privately expresses his discontent with former aides to presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, who have been offering election strategy advice. The President believes they should not be lecturing him after the Democratic party's losses in the 1994 and 2010 midterm elections, which he managed to avoid in 2022.

Despite contracting Covid-19, Biden shows no signs of backing down and is reportedly waiting until Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Washington on Wednesday before making any potential decisions. However, some donors argue that now, following the Republican convention and with a month until their own convention, this is the opportune moment for Biden to step aside and allow for a fresh candidate to emerge.

Leading Democratic figures, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, are calling on Biden to at least reconsider his position. Democrats like Virginia representative Gerald E. Connolly believe that ending the campaign now is necessary to heal the wounds within the party, stating, "We have to cauterize this wound right now, and the sooner we can do it, the better."

The Biden family, who have enjoyed decades of political influence in Delaware, where Joe Biden served as a senator and vice-president, are divided on the issue. While some family members believe Biden's debate performance can still be overcome with determination and loyalty, rising tensions indicate a growing frustration.

A series of public statements from Democratic elected officials expressing appreciation for Biden's record while warning of a potential second Trump presidency have added to the pressure. The latest addition to the chorus is Sherrod Brown, who urged Biden to end his re-election campaign so that attention can return to pressing issues in Ohio.

Prominent Democrats, party stalwarts, and senior donors have launched a private lobbying campaign, trying to convince Biden that he cannot defeat Trump and that his political legacy is at risk. They suggest that his vice-president, Kamala Harris, would be a more dynamic candidate.

While Biden's position has reportedly shifted from absolute refusal to being open to considering his position, his campaign struck a defiant tone on Friday, with the President expressing his anticipation for getting back on the campaign trail. However, recent polling indicates that Biden is trailing Trump, particularly in crucial battleground states.

Leftist representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Vermont senator Bernie Sanders remain staunch allies of Biden. However, Ocasio-Cortez warns that pushing Biden out of the race could create intra-party chaos, as Democratic elites may not favor Harris as his replacement. She emphasizes the importance of not accepting defeat and highlights the racial, ethnic, and class divisions within the Democratic party.

As the pressure intensifies, all eyes are now on President Biden as he grapples with the choice of potentially ending his re-election campaign. A decision looms, and the Democratic party's future hangs in the balance as they navigate the path towards the November presidential election.