President Joe Biden is facing increasing pressure from within his own party to end his re-election campaign following a lackluster debate performance against Donald Trump. The calls for him to step aside are growing, with five House Democrats now urging him to withdraw from the race. These Democrats are concerned that Mr. Biden may not be able to effectively campaign and win against Trump, potentially risking losing the presidency and control of Congress.
Despite dismissing his debate performance as just a “bad episode” during a rare prime-time ABC News interview, Mr. Biden’s own party members are not convinced of his ability to defeat Trump. Some polls show Trump’s lead widening, causing anxiety among Democrats about the upcoming election. Texas congressman Lloyd Doggett, the first House Democrat to call for Mr. Biden to drop out, emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for a new candidate who can defeat Trump.
While Mr. Biden expressed confidence in his ability to win the race, his refusal to take a cognitive test and make the results public has raised concerns among Democratic lawmakers. Some feel his response was unsettling and not convincing, especially in spontaneous situations. House Democrats, including Mike Quigley, Seth Moulton, and Raúl Grijalva, have joined the call for Mr. Biden to withdraw from the race.
Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a potential contender to replace Mr. Biden if he were to step down. However, questions about her candidacy and concerns about her ability to lead persist within the party. Despite spending time close to the president and focusing on key issues like student debt and abortion rights, some Democrats remain unsure of her suitability as a presidential candidate.
As the November election approaches, the Democratic Party faces a difficult decision regarding Mr. Biden’s candidacy. With growing pressure from within and concerns about his ability to defeat Trump, the party may need to consider alternative options to ensure victory. Vice President Harris remains a potential replacement, but questions about her candidacy and ability to lead will need to be addressed in the coming months.
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