WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden on Monday urged Democratic lawmakers to either back his reelection campaign or challenge him at the party convention in the upcoming month as the US president’s reelection bid entered a critical week.
The 81-year-old president doubled down on his determination to continue in office despite mounting concerns about his age and performance, exacerbated by a widely criticized debate against Republican rival Donald Trump last month. Biden’s remarks come as he prepares to host a summit of NATO leaders in Washington, aiming to reassure allies amidst polling suggesting a competitive race against Trump in November.
In a defiant call to MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program, Biden expressed confidence in his appeal to “average voters,” dismissing doubts raised by party insiders and elites. “Any of these guys that don’t think I should run — run against me. Announce for president, challenge me at the convention,” Biden asserted.
The president further solidified his stance in a letter addressed to Democratic lawmakers, unequivocally stating, “I decline” to withdraw from the race. “I am firmly committed to staying in the race,” Biden affirmed, seeking to put an end to ongoing discussions about his candidacy within the party.
Despite concerns over his debate performance, where Biden appeared fatigued and struggled with coherence, he attributed his lapses to jetlag and a cold. However, calls for him to step aside have intensified, with reports indicating that senior Democratic figures have privately urged him to consider alternatives.
Tuesday’s NATO summit marks a critical juncture, where Biden’s leadership and ability to reassure European allies will be scrutinized. The summit coincides with Democratic lawmakers’ return to Capitol Hill, where discussions about the party’s direction and leadership are expected to intensify.
Many European countries are fearful of a return of Trump, as the 78-year-old has long criticized the defence alliance, voiced admiration for Russian strongman Vladimir Putin, and insisted he could bring about a quick end to the war in Ukraine.
Following a vigorous campaign schedule in swing states like Pennsylvania, Biden’s wife, First Lady Jill Biden, will continue to advocate for his candidacy in key battlegrounds such as Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina. Meanwhile, Biden himself is slated to resume campaigning in Michigan later in the week, underscoring the urgency of his reelection efforts with only four months until election day.
On Friday the president picks up the campaign trail once more, heading for the battleground state of Michigan, before going to his beachside home in Rehoboth, Delaware.
With election day just four months away and the party convention in mid-August, the clock is ticking on any move to replace Biden as the nominee.
Biden and his team appear determined to dig in for the siege, with the campaign unveiling an intense schedule for later in July, including an avalanche of TV spots and trips to key states.
