A rising number of Democratic lawmakers are urging President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race as they believe that a younger candidate might be better suited to confront the challenges ahead.
The calls for Biden's withdrawal intensified following Biden's solo press conference after the NATO summit, with at least three additional House Democrats voicing their concerns.
Despite optimism from Biden's team about his performance, doubts persist within the party. Many worry whether Biden still possesses the vigor required to defeat former President Donald Trump and effectively lead the nation for another term.
Statements of concern
Congressman Jim Himes acknowledged Biden as a remarkable leader but stressed the importance of presenting a strong candidate for the upcoming election.
"The 2024 election will define the future of American democracy, and we must put forth the strongest candidate possible to confront the threat posed by Trump’s promised MAGA authoritarianism," said Himes.
He expressed his belief that Biden is no longer that candidate and urged him to step aside.
Representative Scott Peters, (D.Calif), echoed these sentiments, referencing Biden's debate performance and declining swing state polls. "Today I ask President Biden to withdraw from the presidential campaign. The stakes are high, and we are on a losing course," Peters said.
At the same time, Representative Eric Sorensen, (D-Ill), facing re-election in a competitive district, also called for Biden to step aside. He expressed hope for a candidate who could communicate a positive vision for the country, urging Biden to prioritize the nation's interests over personal ambition.
Biden's response and party tensions
During the news conference, Biden reiterated his commitment to completing the job he was elected to do. He pointed out the gravity of the situation he inherited in terms of the economy, foreign policy, and domestic division. However, this did little to reassure his critics.
Some Democratic officials have been criticizing Biden's lack of a future-oriented message and his focus on foreign policy issues irrelevant to swing voters. "He did not do anything to reassure Democrats that he understands how dire his political situation is or that he has a realistic plan to win," an official told CNBC on anonymity.
As the presidential nominating conventions approach, time is running out for the Democratic Party to resolve its internal conflicts. Democratic leaders are raising the urgency as they believe that the week after next when lawmakers are back is the final make-or-break moment.
To be sure, the first significant call for Biden to withdraw came from Representative Lloyd Doggett, a long-serving Texas congressman, just five days after the June 27 debate. Doggett praised Biden's achievements but showed concern over his ability to defend them effectively.
A chorus of dissent
Several other House Democrats have joined the chorus, including Representative Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz), Representative Seth Moulton, (D-Mass), Representative Angie Craig, (D-Minn), and Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash), among others.
Grijalva described the campaign as "precarious" and called on Biden to take responsibility for holding the White House while Moulton, a former presidential candidate, expressed doubts about Biden's ability to defeat Trump.
Craig, on the other hand, voiced concerns about Biden's debate performance and warned of a narrow window to choose a replacement while Smith doubted Biden's capacity to effectively communicate his case to the American people.
Other prominent Democrats like Representative Mikie Sherrill, Representative Pat Ryan, and Representative Earl Blumenauer have also urged Biden to step aside as they stressed the high stakes and the need to protect democracy.
Gaffes and health concerns
Biden's recent gaffes, including confusing Vice President Kamala Harris with Donald Trump and mistaking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for Russian President Vladimir Putin, have fueled criticism and raised questions about his age and clarity.
These slip-ups have been widely ridiculed online and seized upon by Republicans to undermine his campaign.
Health concerns have also been a focal point. Biden's personal doctor, Kevin O'Connor, recently addressed allegations of Parkinson’s disease following a lackluster debate performance.
Furthermore, New York-based neurologist Dr. Tom Pitts suggested that Biden exhibits "classic features of neurodegeneration" based on his public appearances.
While some prominent Democrats have refrained from taking a definitive stance, others have expressed their doubts. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has publicly supported Biden but privately signaled openness to a replacement. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and current House Democratic Chief Hakeem Jeffries have remained noncommittal.
Despite the growing opposition, Biden still has steadfast supporters. Vice President Kamala Harris and potential replacement candidates like California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore have stood by him. The Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus have also reaffirmed their backing.
As the Democratic Party faces its internal struggles and the pressure mounts on Biden to step aside, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the party's strategy for the 2024 election. With the stakes higher than ever, Democrats will want to present a unified front capable of securing victory.