Biden faces growing pressure to quit race as Democrats question fitness | Politics News | Al
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Joe Biden’s recent interview with ABC News’s George Stephanopoulos has failed to quell growing concerns within the Democratic Party about his fitness for a second term. During the Friday night prime-time interview, Biden addressed his faltering debate performance against former President Donald Trump, dismissing it as merely a “bad episode.” However, his reassurances have not silenced the voices within his party calling for his withdrawal from the re-election race.
On Saturday, Representative Angie Craig of Minnesota became the fifth House Democrat to publicly urge Biden to step aside. She expressed doubt about his ability to “effectively campaign and win against Donald Trump.” Her comments highlight a growing unease among Democrats, who fear that Biden’s continued candidacy could jeopardize not only the presidency but also key congressional seats.
Growing Democratic Dissent
The dissent within the Democratic Party is notable, though no senior party leaders have officially called for Biden’s resignation. Nonetheless, polls showing Trump’s increasing lead over Biden have fueled these concerns. Texas Congressman Lloyd Doggett, the first House Democrat to call for Biden’s withdrawal, reiterated his position on CNN, stressing the urgency for a new candidate capable of defeating Trump.
Other Democrats, including Representatives Mike Quigley of Illinois and Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, echoed these sentiments on Friday, joining Arizona’s Raúl Grijalva, who had called for Biden to step down earlier in the week. The chorus of voices signals a significant rift within the party, as members weigh the risks of Biden’s re-election bid against the potential benefits of a fresh candidate.
Biden’s Response and Party Reactions
In his interview, Biden dismissed calls for a cognitive test to be made public, arguing that he undergoes a cognitive assessment every day through his activities. This response failed to satisfy some, including California Congresswoman Judy Chu, who found his answer “unsettling and not particularly convincing.” Chu stated she would closely monitor Biden’s performance in spontaneous situations.
Despite the mounting pressure, Biden was resolute during his interview, rejecting the notion that party allies might persuade him to step aside. He firmly stated, “it’s not going to happen,” and declared himself the most qualified to lead the nation.
Kamala Harris: The Potential Successor
Vice-President Kamala Harris has emerged as a potential successor should Biden step down. At the Essence black culture festival in New Orleans, Harris emphasized the importance of the upcoming election for American democracy but did not address the growing calls for Biden’s withdrawal. Harris’s recent activities, including attending the White House’s July 4th celebration and participating in significant meetings, indicate her close alignment with Biden.
However, Harris’s potential candidacy is not without its challenges. Her tenure as vice-president has been marked by low approval ratings and difficulties in managing key issues like immigration and voting rights. Recently, she has refocused on topics such as abortion rights, which are expected to be pivotal in the upcoming election.
As the Democratic Party grapples with these internal conflicts, the path forward remains uncertain. The question of whether Biden will heed the calls to step aside, or whether he can rally sufficient support to continue his campaign, looms large. Meanwhile, the party must navigate these turbulent waters to present a united front against the formidable challenge posed by Trump in the next election.
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