In a significant blow to President Joe Biden's re-election campaign, prominent Democrats are expressing fresh concerns about his ability to beat Republican Donald Trump in the 2024 race. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, celebrity donor George Clooney, and Democratic senators and lawmakers have all voiced their doubts, creating an uncertain atmosphere within the party.

The latest wave of apprehension towards Biden's candidacy was showcased when Pelosi stated that it is up to the president to decide whether he should stay in the race. Pelosi, while not explicitly endorsing Biden's continued campaign, acknowledged the importance of his decision as time grows short. She later assured ABC that she believes Biden can win.

Adding to the doubts, George Clooney, who had recently hosted a high-profile Hollywood fundraiser for Biden, wrote an op-ed in The New York Times stating that the Biden he observed three weeks ago did not resemble the vigorous candidate he witnessed during the 2020 debates. Clooney's remarks serve as a blow to Biden's image and raise questions about his current state.

Democratic senators, including Michael Bennet of Colorado and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, expressed concerns not only about Biden's chances of winning but also about the future integrity of the country. Bennet, while stopping short of calling for Biden to drop out, warned that Trump may be on track to win the election and take control of both the Senate and the House, emphasizing the moral question at stake in the election.

Despite the mounting doubts, Biden maintains strong support from key parts of his coalition, notably the Congressional Black Caucus, whose backing was crucial to his victory in 2020. Representatives Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Pat Ryan of New York echoed the importance of focusing on the forthcoming challenges rather than being distracted by internal conflicts over Biden's candidacy.

The question of whether to continue supporting Biden intensified following his lackluster showing in the June 27 presidential debate with Trump and his campaign's handling of the aftermath. Democrats now find themselves at a crossroads, contemplating an unprecedented scenario of potentially having the incumbent Biden step aside just weeks before the Democratic National Convention, where he is expected to be nominated for re-election.

As Biden hosts the NATO summit in Washington, showcasing his diplomatic skills, he faces a crucial public test at a scheduled news conference on Thursday. Democrats in Congress will be monitoring his performance closely for signs of his abilities and whether he can dispel the doubts surrounding his candidacy.

Biden and his campaign have been working diligently to shore up support. Meeting with labor leaders, Biden highlighted the importance of his record in office and the power of unions in shaping the economy. Reiterating his commitment to strengthen unions, Biden expressed his determination to be the most pro-union president in American history.

With the election approaching, the uncertainties surrounding President Biden's re-election bid are exacerbating tensions within the Democratic Party. As party members weigh their options and consider possible alternatives, the next steps for the president's campaign remain uncertain.