In a private letter sent earlier this month, Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) urged former Vice President Joe Biden to consider the perspectives of fellow Democrats as he weighs his decision to remain in the presidential race. While many Democrats have called for Biden to drop out, Raskin chose a different approach, offering praise for Biden's legacy and emphasizing the importance of unity within the party.

Raskin, who serves as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee and played a significant role as an impeachment manager during Donald Trump's trial, did not explicitly push for Biden's exit. Instead, his four-page letter commended Biden's achievements and being a co-manager of the team alongside the American people. Notably, Raskin compared Biden to Pedro Martínez, a Boston Red Sox starting pitcher whose extended playing time in a famous playoff game is perceived as having contributed to the team's missed opportunity at the World Series in 2003.

"There is no shame in taking a well-deserved bow to the overflowing appreciation of the crowd when your arm is tired out, and there is real danger for the team in ignoring the statistics," Raskin wrote in the letter, obtained by POLITICO. "Your situation is tricky because you are both our star pitcher and our manager. But in democracy, as you have shown us more than any prior president, you are not a manager acting alone; you are the co-manager along with our great team and our great people. Caucus with the team, Mr. President. Hear them out. You will make the right decision," Raskin concluded.

This letter from Raskin adds to the growing list of leaked information regarding behind-the-scenes pressure on Biden. Democratic heavyweights such as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have all expressed concerns to Biden directly about the party's chances in November with him as the frontrunner. Just yesterday, Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), another prominent House Democrat and likely incoming senator, publicly called on Biden to exit the race, becoming the 20th congressional Democrat to do so.

Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) also hinted that more Democrats might publicly express their concerns over the weekend, underlining the pervasive fears within the Democratic Party that a Biden defeat could negatively impact House Democrats as well.

Raskin confirmed that he sent the letter in a statement on Thursday, stating that his intention was to initiate a strategic internal discussion on how to secure a decisive victory in the upcoming election, which he deemed crucial for the future of America. He emphasized that his views expressed in the letter remain unchanged.

While Biden has publicly asserted his determination to stay in the race and has no intention of stepping aside, there are indications that he and his top aides are starting to listen to the concerns of those Democrats who believe he should withdraw. According to three individuals familiar with private conversations, some Democrats who want Biden to step aside are growing increasingly confident that their voices are being heard.

The persistent calls for Biden to address electability concerns reflect the growing apprehension within the Democratic Party about his ability to defeat President Trump in November, and the potential repercussions a loss would have on House Democrats. As the election season intensifies, the Democratic Party faces a critical juncture in determining its nominee and formulating a winning strategy.