Growing Calls for Biden to Step Down
On Friday, more Democratic lawmakers urged President Biden to end his campaign. Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown highlighted that the internal party conflict distracts from key issues important to voters in his tough reelection race.
Biden’s Response to COVID and Campaign Status
Isolating in his beach house after testing positive for COVID, Biden stated on Friday that he would resume his campaign activities next week. Over the past three weeks, the party has struggled publicly after Biden froze during a debate with former President Donald Trump. Congressional leaders have not denied reports that they have asked Biden to step aside for a younger candidate due to concerns about his electability.
Campaign Chair’s Defense of Biden
When questioned about rumors of Biden’s potential withdrawal, campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon emphasized Biden’s strong grassroots support. She urged party leaders to resolve their doubts and back Biden for a second term. “You have heard from the president directly time and again. He is in this race to win and he is our nominee and he’s going to be our president for a second term,” O’Malley Dillon said.
Senators Join the Call for Withdrawal
Four senators, including Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, have called for Biden to step aside. Heinrich praised Biden’s leadership but suggested that passing the torch would unite the party behind a candidate capable of defeating Donald Trump and safeguarding democracy.
Congressional Caucuses Express Concerns
Prominent members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the progressive caucus echoed these sentiments. Representatives Jared Huffman, Marc Veasey, Chuy Garcia, and Mark Pocan cited widespread concerns about Biden’s age and fitness jeopardizing the campaign.
BOLD PAC’s Endorsement of Biden
Despite the criticism, BOLD PAC, the political arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, endorsed Biden. Rep. Linda Sánchez emphasized the importance of Latino voters in deciding competitive races this cycle, underscoring their support for Biden.
Potential Successors and Harris’s Campaign Plans
If Biden steps down, Vice President Harris and several young Democratic governors are potential candidates. Harris, fully supportive of Biden, plans campaign stops in Massachusetts, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis next week. Biden’s upcoming travel schedule remains unannounced, though his doctor reported improvement in his COVID symptoms.
DNC’s Efforts to Solidify Support
The Democratic National Convention’s rules committee is preparing for a virtual roll call vote in early August to officially nominate the party’s candidate. Dana Remus, the DNC’s outside counsel, expressed concerns about potential Republican challenges to the election process.
O’Malley Dillon’s Call for Unity
O’Malley Dillon acknowledged the campaign’s tough weeks but stressed the need for party unity. She highlighted a letter signed by 1,400 Black women leaders supporting Biden and urging an end to internal attacks. She reiterated that Biden’s grassroots support remains strong, particularly in battleground states.