A beleaguered President Joe Biden entered what could be the most decisive weekend of his five-decade political career, as over 30 Democratic members of Congress, the latest being Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, have called for him to step aside. Biden, currently recovering from Covid-19 in self-isolation at his Delaware home, is reportedly feeling “angry and betrayed” by allies amid speculation of a possible withdrawal announcement.
Advisers Discuss Withdrawal
Reports suggest Biden’s advisers are discussing the timing, setting, and details of a potential withdrawal announcement, reflecting a sense of resignation among his campaign staff. An AP-Norc Centre for Public Affairs Research poll released Friday indicated that six in 10 Democratic voters believe Vice President Kamala Harris would make a good president. In response, Harris’ allies are discreetly preparing for her possible transition to the top of the presidential ticket by courting donors and crafting a new campaign message.
Support and Opposition
Biden received a rare show of support from over 1,400 Black female supporters who argued against changing the ticket, emphasizing the democratic process of the primaries. New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also urged Democrats to reconsider their efforts to push Biden out, while Senator Bernie Sanders and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’s campaign arm announced their support for Biden, citing the detrimental impact of another Trump presidency on the Latino community.
Growing Calls for Withdrawal
Despite this support, Biden faces mounting pressure as over 30 Democrats in Congress, including prominent figures like California Representative Adam Schiff, have called for him to step down. The criticism includes senior figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who, along with Barack Obama and Bill and Hillary Clinton, Biden reportedly feels have undermined him through their silence.
Recent Developments and Statements
Late Friday, Senator Brown released a statement urging Biden to end his campaign, emphasizing the need to focus on critical issues. Media outlets have reported Biden reconsidering his position, with a close source indicating that Biden might announce his withdrawal soon to allow Harris to take the nomination. Swing state poll data and a boycott by key donors, including Silicon Valley billionaire Michael Moritz, have reportedly shaken Biden’s resolve. Pelosi, using her knowledge of polling data, has reportedly persuaded Biden of his weak position, countering Biden’s insistence on his potential to win based on his aide Mike Donilon’s data.
Public Pressure and Internal Campaign Dynamics
Public pressure intensified as Senators Jon Tester and Martin Heinrich urged Biden to step aside. Many more congressional Democrats have privately called for his withdrawal. Four House members – Jared Huffman, Marc Veasey, Chuy Garcia, and Mark Pocan – issued a joint plea for Biden to step down for the country’s sake. Allies of Pelosi have depicted her as sensitive towards Biden, subtly persuading him while recognizing his achievements and current health challenges.
Internal Campaign Sentiment
Inside Biden’s campaign, sentiments reflect a mix of defiance and resignation. Biden’s campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, emphasized that Biden had “work to do” and highlighted reassuring appearances post-debate. However, CNN reported a “quiet quit” process among staff, with growing belief that the campaign is nearing its end.
Biden himself reportedly feels “hurt and betrayed” by the party’s leading figures, whom he has previously derided as “elites” pushing him out. An ally compared Biden’s situation to Julius Caesar’s fate, accusing long-time associates of betrayal. Despite the internal and external pressures, Biden’s resolve and potential next steps remain closely watched as the weekend unfolds.