Democrats in the U.S. Congress were set to meet behind closed doors on Tuesday amid increasing concerns about their prospects in the November 5 election. This follows President Joe Biden’s resolute rejection of calls from some within his party to end his campaign.
While only a handful of House Democrats have publicly urged the 81-year-old incumbent to step aside, several others have expressed doubts about Biden’s chances after a lackluster debate performance raised fresh questions about his capability to lead a successful campaign and handle the demands of the presidency for another 4 years.
The growing division within the party has left Biden’s campaign working to prevent further defections. On Monday, the president told MSNBC that he was “not going anywhere,” a sentiment he reiterated to donors during a private call later in the day, according to sources on the call.
Biden made multiple campaign stops in Pennsylvania on Sunday, a crucial battleground state. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is seen as the most likely successor if Biden steps aside, has also been actively campaigning on his behalf.
Democratic U.S. Representative Joe Morelle from New York noted that his constituents voiced their concerns over Biden’s debate performance during the July 4 holiday. “They’re going to need more proof to feel secure in the knowledge that he can continue to do the job. And so telling them that isn’t going to work. He’ll have to demonstrate it,” Morelle said. He suggested that more public events where Biden answers questions from voters could help alleviate their concerns.
Even supportive senior lawmakers believe Biden needs to take stronger action. Senator Patty Murray, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, stated, “We need to see a much more forceful and energetic candidate on the campaign trail in the very near future,” and urged Biden to “seriously consider the best way to preserve his incredible legacy.”
Democratic lawmakers are particularly concerned about how Biden’s struggles could impact their chances of winning a majority in the House of Representatives, which could be their primary defense against formal President Trump if he wins. Republicans currently hold a 220-213 majority in the House.
Democrats face an even steeper challenge in maintaining their slim 51-49 Senate majority, as they are defending several seats in Republican-leaning states. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado emphasized the need for unity and a clear strategy, saying, “What I hope to see is, over the course of this week, our coming together on the kind of compelling and successful path forward that the American people need.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi commented on whether Democrats should stick with Biden, stating, “People should be prayerful, thoughtful. And the decision is the president’s. It’s not the caucus’s.”
Other prominent Democrats have expressed their confidence in Biden. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer affirmed his support, saying, “As I’ve said before, I’m for Joe.” Representative Steven Horsford, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, also backed Biden’s candidacy, noting the critical role of Black voters in the Democratic base.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll last week revealed that one in three registered Democratic voters believed Biden should withdraw from the race, with 59 percent citing his age as a concern. However, the poll also indicated that none of Biden’s potential replacements would perform better against Trump. The poll showed Biden and Trump tied at 40 percent each.
Senator Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico expressed hope for Biden’s continued engagement with voters, saying, “I hope he continues to reach out to voters the way that we saw him this weekend, talking to them unscripted. The more that he does that, I think the more support that we’re going to see across the country.”
