In a strategic move, Democrats are reportedly waiting for the conclusion of the NATO summit this week before pressuring President Joe Biden to step away from his re-election bid, according to a prominent party pollster. John Zogby, founder of an influential marketing and political consulting firm, expressed his belief that the end may be near for President Biden's campaign.

As of now, 11 congressional Democrats have publicly called on President Biden, 81, to withdraw from the 2024 race. However, even more lawmakers have hinted at their dissatisfaction with the trajectory of the incumbent's campaign, particularly after his lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump on June 27.

Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV), who is set to leave Congress early next year, revealed that significant discussions were expected to take place within the party over the weekend. Manchin had reportedly considered publicly opposing Biden's candidacy during a Sunday morning public affairs program following the debate, where Biden appeared confused and frail at times.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) delivered the strongest indication that Biden's fate would be sealed after the NATO summit. Pelosi stated that Democrats were actively encouraging the President to make a decision due to the limited time remaining. She emphasized the importance of allowing President Biden to focus on his role as the host of the summit before any discussion about his re-election bid.

Pelosi's comments have been interpreted as a subtle signal for Democrats, particularly those in battleground districts, to voice their concerns if they want Biden removed from the party's ticket. According to Politico, many members of Biden's campaign team have been quietly conducting surveys comparing Vice President Kamala Harris to Trump, indicating a potential shift in focus among campaign strategists.

The NATO summit, culminating in a press conference featuring President Biden, has been seen as a significant moment. A Democratic operative referred to it as another "make or break" point for the President. The narrative surrounding Biden's campaign was identified as a key aspect that needs to change, prompting discussions within the party about the best course of action.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) declined to comment on pressure from donors or external stakeholders, stating that the conference was engaged in internal discussions. Jeffries also dismissed concerns about Biden becoming a liability for vulnerable members of the party.

Multiple reports suggest that doubts and concerns about Biden have also spread within his own campaign team. Some members have allegedly conducted surveys pitting Harris against Trump, questioning whether Biden should stay in the race. These surveys may serve the purpose of either providing a justification for Biden to continue or testing Harris' potential as the campaign's main candidate.

Soon after the debate, Biden's deputy campaign manager Rob Flaherty released a fundraising message criticizing Democrats who wanted Biden to step aside, referring to them as the "bedwetting brigade." Flaherty attached polling data that showed Biden and Harris performing better against Trump compared to other potential nominees.

While the Biden campaign has not responded to inquiries regarding these recent developments, campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez and campaign chair Jennifer O'Malley Dillon sent a memo to their team, asserting confidence in a clear pathway ahead for President Biden. They emphasized that hypothetical polling of alternative nominees is unreliable and does not consider the challenging media environment that any Democratic nominee will face.

As the pressure on President Biden continues to mount, Democrats will have to carefully navigate the delicate balance between challenging his candidacy and maintaining party unity. The outcome of the NATO summit and subsequent discussions may shape the future of Biden's re-election bid.