President Biden Affirms Commitment to Stay in the Race Amid Debate Fallout

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
03/07/2024 22h01

In a recent all-staff campaign call, President Joe Biden reassured his team that he is determined to continue running for re-election, despite the fallout from his rocky debate performance. Sources familiar with the call revealed that President Biden made it clear that he remains resolute in defeating former President Donald Trump in November.

Acknowledging the challenges he has faced over the past few days, President Biden affirmed his position as the Democratic Party's nominee, stating with conviction, "I am running. I'm the nominee of the Democratic Party. No one's pushing me out. I'm not leaving."

Earlier on Wednesday, the White House denied a report from The New York Times suggesting that Biden was considering whether to continue in the race, calling it "absolutely false." The Biden campaign and the White House have consistently downplayed the debate performance, attributing it to a cold and a hectic travel schedule.

In an effort to rally support, President Biden engaged in discussions with key allies, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Jim Clyburn, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Sen. Chris Coons. However, cracks have emerged within the Democratic Party, with some lawmakers publicly calling for Biden to withdraw from the race.

A Democratic lawmaker informed CBS News that a group of "frontline" House Democrats, who are currently facing competitive races, have begun circulating a letter asking President Biden to step aside as the party's presumptive nominee. At least 25 lawmakers plan to sign the letter, which may lead to further calls for his withdrawal in the coming days.

Despite maintaining public support from most elected Democrats immediately after the debate, there has been a gradual shift in sentiment within the party. Some members now openly question Biden's fitness for office and emphasize the need for him to assure voters and donors of his capabilities if he continues as the nominee.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested that the president should participate in interviews with "serious journalists" and urged him to "just sit there and be Joe." President Biden is scheduled to sit down for an interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos on Friday, aimed at addressing concerns regarding his performance.

The debate fallout has also raised concerns among donors, with some actively advocating for Biden to withdraw from the race. Donor Whitney Tilson spoke to CBS News, highlighting the ongoing discussions among donors through various communication channels.

Recent polling conducted by CBS News reveals a slight shift in the race, with former President Donald Trump gaining a 3-point lead over President Biden in battleground states and a 2-point lead nationally.

Tonight, President Biden is set to hold a meeting with Democratic governors at the White House, seeking to maintain support from party leaders and elected officials. The Biden campaign is facing the challenge of keeping its members united amidst growing calls for reassessment.

If President Biden decides to withdraw, it would create uncharted territory for the Democratic Party. As the presumptive nominee, the majority of delegates have already been allocated to him. In the event of his withdrawal, a contested convention may ensue unless the party quickly agrees on an alternative candidate. Vice President Kamala Harris has been identified as a natural successor, while other potential alternatives are also generating interest within the party.

President Biden's family, known for their close relationship, has been a source of support, encouraging him to stay in the race and continue the fight in the aftermath of the debate.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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