President Joe Biden finds himself at a critical juncture in his long political career as over 30 Democratic members of Congress, including Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, have called for him to step aside from the presidential race. Biden, currently recovering from COVID-19 in self-isolation at his Delaware home, is reportedly feeling "angry and betrayed" by allies, as speculation rises about a potential withdrawal announcement.
Advisers are said to be discussing the details and timing of a possible withdrawal, with a sense of resignation spreading among Biden’s campaign staff. Despite this, a recent AP-NORC poll revealed that six in 10 Democratic voters believe Vice President Kamala Harris would make a good president. Consequently, Harris's allies are preparing for her to take the lead, courting donors and crafting new campaign messages.
Amidst the turmoil, Biden received a boost of support from more than 1,400 Black female supporters, who argued against changing the ticket, stating it would "circumvent the will of millions of voters." Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders also voiced their support for Biden, urging Democrats to reconsider their push for his withdrawal.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus’s campaign arm endorsed Biden on Friday, emphasizing the potential dangers of another Trump presidency for the Latino community. However, the growing list of Democrats calling for Biden’s exit, including prominent figures like Representative Adam Schiff, has left the president feeling isolated and betrayed by senior party members.
Senator Brown’s statement on Friday evening underscored the urgency of addressing critical issues, suggesting that Biden should end his campaign. This sentiment echoes the concerns of many within the Democratic Party who are worried about Biden’s age and performance, particularly after a challenging debate against Donald Trump.
Reports suggest that Biden's resolve is waning due to pressure from influential party members like Nancy Pelosi, fresh polling data showing a narrow path to victory, and a boycott by key donors, including Silicon Valley billionaire Michael Moritz. Pelosi has reportedly used her knowledge of polling data to persuade Biden of his weak position, challenging the optimistic data provided by Biden’s aide, Mike Donilon.
Public calls for Biden’s withdrawal intensified with statements from Senators Jon Tester and Martin Heinrich, and a joint plea from Representatives Jared Huffman, Marc Veasey, Chuy Garcia, and Mark Pocan. Additional calls came from Representatives Zoe Lofgren, Sean Casten, and Greg Landsman, reflecting widespread concern within the party.
Pelosi, described as "a magician" by some sources, has been subtly encouraging Biden to step down while acknowledging his achievements and service. However, this approach has not been well received by Biden’s allies, one of whom compared the situation to Julius Caesar’s betrayal.
Biden himself reportedly feels "hurt and betrayed" by party leaders, whom he has previously criticized as "elites." One ally noted that the same leaders pushing Biden out were responsible for Trump’s 2016 victory, arguing that Biden might be more in touch with the American people than his detractors.
Despite the turmoil, Biden’s campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, emphasized that Biden still has "work to do" and that his recent appearances have been reassuring. However, a growing sense of defeat is evident within the campaign, with some staff quietly resigning and acknowledging that "it's game over."
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