WASHINGTON, DC July 8:
a politically troubled Joe Biden was under increasing pressure from fellow Democrats who were concerned about his candidacy. Despite his best efforts, Biden was unable to allay their fears during his campaign rallies in Pennsylvania, a key state in the election. Many are questioning Biden's capacity to continue serving as president for another four years following his lackluster performance in a June 27 debate against Republican Donald Trump, 78. As a result, Biden, 81, is facing mounting pressure to withdraw his reelection campaign. Defending his continued participation in the campaign, he called out those who wanted him to step down as "nonsense" in a fundraising email he sent out on July 6.
Following a heartfelt reception at a Black Philadelphia church on July 7, the Democratic president made his way to Harrisburg, the state capital of Pennsylvania, for a gathering with union members. Recent public opinion polls have revealed that Biden's support is waning among Black voters, who make up a significant portion of his base of support.
Reuters was informed by a source familiar with the conversations that certain House Democrats had suggested that Biden should resign as presidential candidate during a July 7th leadership call convened by Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic Leader. Media sources indicate that prominent House Democrats who serve on the Judiciary, Armed Services, Veterans Affairs, and House Administration committeesRepresentatives Jerrold Nadler, Adam Smith, Mark Takano, and Joe Morelle were among those who demanded that Biden resign.
The Democratic Party has also floated the idea that Vice Presi dent Kamala Harris, widely considered as Biden's most likely successor in November, should run for president.Could do well in the next five elections if he decided to step out.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) stressed the importance of next week's events on CNN's "State of the Union." To win over voters, he suggested that the president do a town hall meeting or press conference, comparing himself to "the old Joe Biden." For Murphy, the president must take further action. "I do think the clock is ticking." U.S. Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) remarked on "Meet the Press" (NBC) that Biden must act quickly to allay fears.
He went on to say that he thought Harris had a good chance of winning, but that the president should decide whether he wants to be the one to do it before discussing potential alternates.
In Harrisburg, reporters wanted to know if the Democratic Party was on his side, and Biden responded with a simple "yes." The congregation of Philadelphia's Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ welcomed Biden with a jubilant cheer. Louis Felton, the bishop, spoke highly of him, calling him "a man of vision and integrity."
Without specifically naming the Republican running against Biden, the bishop scolded individuals who "make an issue of the president - that he is conditioned with stammering and not being able at certain times to bring forth words - while another person lies fluidly and you never challenge his lies."
"You can't write Joseph off," Felton roared. Joseph, you have what it takes. With the words "We must unite America again" he spoke to the assembly for slightly over six minutes. Well, I intend to do just that. A Philadelphia resident named Carla Greene expressed her hope that Joe Biden felt the support and went on to say, "we believe he is the man for the job."
Biden dismissed the idea that Democratic leaders could work together to try to convince him to step aside in an interview with ABC News on July 5. He stated that only the "Lord Almighty" could convince him to do so.
On July 7, a Florida Democrat named Alan Clendenin joined the chorus of voices demanding that Biden resign. Clendenin stated that although Joe Biden will go down in history as one of the greatest presidents of the United States, the focus of this election should be on the next four years rather than the past three and a half.
Since Biden's debate blunders, the DNC has consistently backed him; therefore, any defections would indicate a worsening of the situation. Following Sunday's remarks by DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, Biden was reaffirmed as the party's nominee. According to him, the primary is over.
Following his church service, Biden visited a nearby campaign headquarters to reassure his constituents that Pennsylvania is an essential swing state. Joining Biden, Senator John Fetterman (D-MD) yelled, Your president is the only person in this country who has ever kicked Trump's ass in an election. The Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, and Biden had a quick meeting as well.
The outcome of what has been a close campaign is expected to be decided in Pennsylvania, one of around six states that can go either way politically, along with Michigan and Wisconsin.
As part of a Democratic Party voter outreach blitz in July, which includes a $50 million media campaign targeting events like the Olympics and travel by the president, first lady, Harris, and her husband to numerous battleground states, Biden will make his tenth visit to Pennsylvania during the 2024 election campaign on July 7.
The White House announced on Sunday that Vice President Biden will be visiting the swing state of Nevada on July 16 and 17. While there, he will address Black and Latino audiences at the NAACP National Convention and UnidosUS Annual.
Along with his trip to Austin, Biden will visit the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas on July 15 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. As senators and representatives return to the nation's capital after their Christmas break and financial backers reconsider their support for Joe Biden's candidacy, congressional pressure is set to increase. In addition to holding an unprecedented solo press conference, Biden is getting ready to host dozens of international leaders at a NATO summit in Washington this week.
Five members of Congress have already publicly demanded that Joe Biden drop his reelection campaign; among them is Minnesota Representative Angie Craig, who is the first Democrat to represent a congressional district that is considered a battleground; and more are rumored to be on their way to join them. House Democratic sources have revealed that there are two letters circulating among Democrats in the chamber that demand Biden's resignation. Joe Biden's bid for the presidency in 2024 has the open backing of certain Democrats.
