WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden faced increasing pressure from fellow Democrats to reconsider his bid for re-election on Friday, following a press conference where he gave nuanced answers but occasionally stumbled over his words.
It remained uncertain whether Biden’s performance would persuade skeptics within his party that he is their strongest candidate to challenge Republican Donald Trump in the November 5 election and secure another term in the White House.
At least 17 congressional Democrats have now urged him to step aside, with some announcing their stance after Thursday night’s press conference.
Concerns among Democrats are mounting due to Biden’s low public approval ratings and apprehensions about his age potentially costing them seats in Congress if Trump were to reclaim the presidency.
Despite the calls, Biden reiterated his intention not to withdraw, stating, “If I attend the convention and everyone prefers someone else, that’s democracy.” He emphasized, “It won’t happen.”
Biden’s remarks at the news conference may not have reassured those unsettled by his underwhelming performance in the June 27 presidential debate against Trump. His reference to Vice President Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump” and the mistaken identification of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” at the NATO summit drew surprise reactions.
While Biden occasionally stumbled in his responses, he provided detailed analyses of global issues like the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the Israel-Gaza situation, highlighting his extensive experience on the world stage.
However, skepticism persists among some Democrats. Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, calling for Biden to withdraw after the press conference, stated, “We need the strongest candidate possible to combat the threat posed by Trump’s authoritarianism. I no longer believe that candidate is Joe Biden.”
Representative James Clyburn of South Carolina, a significant party figure, reaffirmed his support for Biden on Friday morning, saying, “I’m fully committed. I’m standing by Biden regardless of which direction he takes.”
Reflecting on Biden’s performance, a senior campaign official, speaking anonymously, described it as “the worst scenario. Not great, but not bad enough to change his mind … It might provide some cover for public endorsements while privately acknowledging he’s not at his best.”
Fundraiser Dmitri Melhorn noted positive reactions from donors who saw Biden’s performance as strong. “He’s the one who can defeat Trump. Despite the missteps, the potential is there,” he told Reuters.
Biden is scheduled to hold a rally in Detroit on Friday, focusing on the “risks” posed by Trump’s agenda. The event is significant as Detroit is home to the United Auto Workers labor union, whose leaders previously endorsed Biden and are currently evaluating their options, according to Reuters sources.
As opinion polls indicate a tight race with most voters firmly aligned along ideological lines, a recent NBC/PBS poll showed Biden leading Trump 50% to 48%, a slight improvement from his pre-debate standing.
However, a Reuters/Ipsos poll from last week showed Biden and Trump tied at 40% each, with analysts cautioning that Biden’s support may be slipping in key battleground states that will determine the election outcome.
