A recent interview on television has fueled debate over whether President Joe Biden should continue with his re-election bid.
Biden Should Quit Campaign Debate
However, the president’s lackluster debate performance against Donald Trump was brushed aside as a mere “bad episode” during an ABC News prime-time special. Last Saturday, Angie Craig, a member of the Minnesota House delegation, joined a growing list of five Democratic House members who are publicly calling on Biden to exit the race. There are rumors that more Democrats could join them.
Democrats are Afraid of Debate
There haven’t been any calls from senior party officials for him to step down just yet, but there is an increasingly palpable unease among Democrats. Trump’s widening lead over Biden in various polls has only deepened their concerns about potential losses in presidential election competition, Congressional seats, and the Senate control majority.
Angie Craig’s Worry
A competitive Minnesota race held by Representative Angie Craig saw her express doubt about Biden’s ability to campaign better than Donald Trump. While paying tribute to decades of service, she clarified that risks associated with another presidency under Trump were too significant to disregard.
Withdrawal Demands from Congress Members Debate
Texas Rep Lloyd Doggett, who became the first Democrat in the House to call for his withdrawal from the 2024 race last month on CNN, told Anderson Cooper that time is of the essence for finding another viable option against Trump. Other members of Congress, like Illinois’ Mike Quigley and Massachusetts’ Seth Moulton, expressed similar opinions.
Biden Responds and Denies Cognitive Test
During the interview with ABC News anchor David Muir, Biden did not agree to take a cognitive test or publicize its results as proof he could be president for another term. Democratic congresswoman Judy Chu said this response did not make her feel better, especially when he tried going off script sometimes.
Biden Affirms Himself and Support Grouping
Amid growing pressure, Biden reaffirmed his belief that he could still be president for another term when asked if outside voices would make him step down. He then thanked Vice President Kamala Harris for standing with him despite speculation about her potential to take over should he bow out.
Harris’s Position and Problems
To date, Vice President Kamala Harris, who publicly aligns herself with Biden most of the time, faces questions about his confidence in running. While other Democrats have expressed doubts about her readiness as a future presidential candidate, she has focused on issues like abortion rights, which may help shore up Democrat backing ahead of crucial polls this November.
