Biden campaign won't "sugarcoat" state of 2024 race but denies Biden plans exit
Biden campaign manager Jen O'Malley Dillon denied reports the president is considering leaving 2024 presidential race against Trump.
The Biden campaign is refuting claims that President Biden might withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, despite increasing calls from House Democrats for him to step down. On Friday, Biden's campaign took a strong stance, issuing a memo, conducting multiple interviews, and holding an all-staff call to emphasize that he is still in the running. They are committed to focusing on "Project 2025," a conservative framework for a potential second Trump term, alongside scrutinizing the Republican nominee's record.
"Absolutely, the president is in this race," Biden campaign chair O'Malley Dillon stated during an interview on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," noting the president has consistently communicated his commitment. "In our view, he is the best candidate to take on Donald Trump," she asserted.
However, Dan Kanninen, the campaign's director for battleground states, acknowledged the challenges ahead in a memo on Friday. "I won't sugarcoat the state of the race: We have a lot of work to do to win this November," he wrote, while also highlighting potential avenues for victory if the campaign stays attuned to the issues that matter to voters in critical states. While acknowledging that many voters express concerns about Biden's age, he noted they still intend to support him.
Reports from CBS News indicated that two senior House Democrats believe Biden could exit the race within days due to mounting pressure from prominent party figures, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also reached out to the president, sharing sentiments similar to those of Jeffries and Schumer.
At the same time, polling data released by CBS News showed that as former President Donald Trump secured the Republican nomination, he held a significant lead over Biden nationally, with 52% support compared to Biden's 47%. Trump's advantage had even increased by one point in battleground states, now at 51% to Biden's 48%.
During an all-staff call on Friday, Dillon, along with former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, emphasized the importance of direct voter contact. "The president is hearing from constituents who urge him to stay in this race and continue fighting," Dillon said, suggesting that the voices on the ground are often drowned out by media narratives.
Biden is reportedly open to feedback from allies regarding his campaign strategies, particularly in light of his recent debate struggles with Trump. Delaware Senator Chris Coons expressed confidence that the president is considering what is necessary for electoral success, including who aligns best with Democratic values.
According to reports, Pelosi shared polling data indicating doubts about Biden's viability in the race, to which the president countered with data suggesting otherwise, leading to a request for further polling details.
In a separate interview with "CBS Mornings," deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks dismissed rumors of Biden's potential withdrawal this weekend, asserting, "We are continuing with a strategy to win with him at the top of the ticket." Fulks noted, "All the concerns stem from a strong desire to defeat Donald Trump," adding that while Biden's age is a factor, it isn't the primary concern for many voters.
On a positive note for Biden, he received an endorsement from BOLD PAC, the political arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Chairwoman Linda Sánchez praised the administration's commitment to the Latino community and voiced concerns about the impacts of a second Trump administration, anticipating that Latino voters will be crucial in various states.
Though Biden is currently dealing with mild COVID symptoms and recuperating at Rehoboth, he expressed eagerness to return to the campaign trail next week to counter Trump's agenda and advocate for his vision of America, which focuses on safeguarding democracy and fostering opportunities for all.
O'Malley Dillon confirmed that delegates at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) are proceeding with their early virtual nomination plans, remaining steadfastly supportive of the president. The DNC is expected to formally nominate Biden in a virtual roll call vote in August, prior to the convention in Chicago later that month.
"Absolutely, the president is in this race," Biden campaign chair O'Malley Dillon stated during an interview on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," noting the president has consistently communicated his commitment. "In our view, he is the best candidate to take on Donald Trump," she asserted.
However, Dan Kanninen, the campaign's director for battleground states, acknowledged the challenges ahead in a memo on Friday. "I won't sugarcoat the state of the race: We have a lot of work to do to win this November," he wrote, while also highlighting potential avenues for victory if the campaign stays attuned to the issues that matter to voters in critical states. While acknowledging that many voters express concerns about Biden's age, he noted they still intend to support him.
Reports from CBS News indicated that two senior House Democrats believe Biden could exit the race within days due to mounting pressure from prominent party figures, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also reached out to the president, sharing sentiments similar to those of Jeffries and Schumer.
At the same time, polling data released by CBS News showed that as former President Donald Trump secured the Republican nomination, he held a significant lead over Biden nationally, with 52% support compared to Biden's 47%. Trump's advantage had even increased by one point in battleground states, now at 51% to Biden's 48%.
During an all-staff call on Friday, Dillon, along with former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, emphasized the importance of direct voter contact. "The president is hearing from constituents who urge him to stay in this race and continue fighting," Dillon said, suggesting that the voices on the ground are often drowned out by media narratives.
Biden is reportedly open to feedback from allies regarding his campaign strategies, particularly in light of his recent debate struggles with Trump. Delaware Senator Chris Coons expressed confidence that the president is considering what is necessary for electoral success, including who aligns best with Democratic values.
According to reports, Pelosi shared polling data indicating doubts about Biden's viability in the race, to which the president countered with data suggesting otherwise, leading to a request for further polling details.
In a separate interview with "CBS Mornings," deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks dismissed rumors of Biden's potential withdrawal this weekend, asserting, "We are continuing with a strategy to win with him at the top of the ticket." Fulks noted, "All the concerns stem from a strong desire to defeat Donald Trump," adding that while Biden's age is a factor, it isn't the primary concern for many voters.
On a positive note for Biden, he received an endorsement from BOLD PAC, the political arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Chairwoman Linda Sánchez praised the administration's commitment to the Latino community and voiced concerns about the impacts of a second Trump administration, anticipating that Latino voters will be crucial in various states.
Though Biden is currently dealing with mild COVID symptoms and recuperating at Rehoboth, he expressed eagerness to return to the campaign trail next week to counter Trump's agenda and advocate for his vision of America, which focuses on safeguarding democracy and fostering opportunities for all.
O'Malley Dillon confirmed that delegates at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) are proceeding with their early virtual nomination plans, remaining steadfastly supportive of the president. The DNC is expected to formally nominate Biden in a virtual roll call vote in August, prior to the convention in Chicago later that month.