Biden's campaign chair acknowledges support 'slippage' but says he's staying in the race
Biden 's campaign is insisting anew that he is not stepping aside as he faces many Democrats at the highest levels wanting him to consider stepping aside.
POLITICS
Biden's campaign chair admits to a decline in support but asserts the president will remain in the race.
By Lisa Mascaro, Zeke Miller, Michael Balsamo, and Aamer Madhani
Associated Press
Washington – President Joe Biden's campaign is reaffirming its commitment to his candidacy despite the reality that many top Democrats are urging him to step aside in favor of a new nominee for the 2024 election. The goal is to mitigate potential significant losses for the party in November.
As he deals with a COVID-19 infection at his beach house in Delaware, Biden’s already limited inner circle has become even smaller following his recent debate performance concerns. The president, who believes he can defeat Republican challenger Donald Trump, is currently with family and relying on a few long-time aides while facing increasing pressure to withdraw.
Jen O'Malley Dillon, chair of Biden's campaign, acknowledged a “slippage” in support but insisted that the president is “absolutely” staying in the race, pointing out that the campaign identifies “multiple paths” to victory against Trump. "We have significant work ahead to reassure the American public that while he may be older, he can still win," she said during an appearance on MSNBC's “Morning Joe.” She noted that voters who are worried about Biden's ability to lead are not shifting their support to Trump, stating, “They have questions, but they are sticking with Joe Biden.”
Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee's rulemaking body is set to meet on Friday to advance plans for a virtual roll call by August 7 to nominate the presidential candidate ahead of the party's convention later in the month in Chicago.
Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, a close Biden ally and campaign co-chair, emphasized that the president deserves to have important discussions with caucus members and Democratic leaders without dealing with leaks or outside pressures.
These next few days are critical as Biden's party navigates the fallout from a successful Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, all while considering the unprecedented option of Biden stepping down for a new candidate prior to their own convention.
Despite the turmoil, a significant majority of Democrats believe Vice President Kamala Harris would be a strong presidential candidate. According to a poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, about 60% of Democrats think Harris would effectively fulfill the role of president while only 20% disagree, and the rest are undecided.
High-ranking Democrats are increasingly urging Biden to reconsider his candidacy, with former President Barack Obama expressing concerns to allies and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi warning Biden of potential losses in the House if he continues his run. Recently, Montana Senator Jon Tester became the second Democrat in the Senate to call for Biden to not seek reelection.
Campaign sources indicated that despite the growing calls for him to withdraw, Biden remains determined to continue his campaign. Senior aides have not discussed the possibility of him stepping down.
However, some aides have become resigned to the idea that Biden may face a tough battle in November after reports of difficulties in fundraising have emerged. There is speculation among some Cabinet members about the real potential for losing the election.
Biden, who is currently 81 years old, tested positive for COVID-19 while in Las Vegas and is experiencing mild symptoms. Prior to this diagnosis, in a taped radio interview, he dismissed concerns about falling behind politically, stating that many voters do not pay close attention until September.
Within Congress, conversations about possibly rallying behind Harris as a potential nominee have begun, with some Democratic lawmakers preferring an open selection process for a new candidate. Senator Peter Welch from Vermont described the current unease among party members and donors as “not sustainable”, insisting that the discussion around Biden stepping aside cannot be ignored.
While many Democrats want Biden to continue his campaign, nearly two-thirds of party members believe he should step aside to allow for a new nominee, according to the AP-NORC poll, casting doubt on Biden's assertion that “average Democrats” are still firmly behind him.
Contributors: Associated Press writers Joey Cappelletti, Ellen Knickmeyer, Steve Peoples, and others.
Biden's campaign chair admits to a decline in support but asserts the president will remain in the race.
By Lisa Mascaro, Zeke Miller, Michael Balsamo, and Aamer Madhani
Associated Press
Washington – President Joe Biden's campaign is reaffirming its commitment to his candidacy despite the reality that many top Democrats are urging him to step aside in favor of a new nominee for the 2024 election. The goal is to mitigate potential significant losses for the party in November.
As he deals with a COVID-19 infection at his beach house in Delaware, Biden’s already limited inner circle has become even smaller following his recent debate performance concerns. The president, who believes he can defeat Republican challenger Donald Trump, is currently with family and relying on a few long-time aides while facing increasing pressure to withdraw.
Jen O'Malley Dillon, chair of Biden's campaign, acknowledged a “slippage” in support but insisted that the president is “absolutely” staying in the race, pointing out that the campaign identifies “multiple paths” to victory against Trump. "We have significant work ahead to reassure the American public that while he may be older, he can still win," she said during an appearance on MSNBC's “Morning Joe.” She noted that voters who are worried about Biden's ability to lead are not shifting their support to Trump, stating, “They have questions, but they are sticking with Joe Biden.”
Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee's rulemaking body is set to meet on Friday to advance plans for a virtual roll call by August 7 to nominate the presidential candidate ahead of the party's convention later in the month in Chicago.
Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, a close Biden ally and campaign co-chair, emphasized that the president deserves to have important discussions with caucus members and Democratic leaders without dealing with leaks or outside pressures.
These next few days are critical as Biden's party navigates the fallout from a successful Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, all while considering the unprecedented option of Biden stepping down for a new candidate prior to their own convention.
Despite the turmoil, a significant majority of Democrats believe Vice President Kamala Harris would be a strong presidential candidate. According to a poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, about 60% of Democrats think Harris would effectively fulfill the role of president while only 20% disagree, and the rest are undecided.
High-ranking Democrats are increasingly urging Biden to reconsider his candidacy, with former President Barack Obama expressing concerns to allies and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi warning Biden of potential losses in the House if he continues his run. Recently, Montana Senator Jon Tester became the second Democrat in the Senate to call for Biden to not seek reelection.
Campaign sources indicated that despite the growing calls for him to withdraw, Biden remains determined to continue his campaign. Senior aides have not discussed the possibility of him stepping down.
However, some aides have become resigned to the idea that Biden may face a tough battle in November after reports of difficulties in fundraising have emerged. There is speculation among some Cabinet members about the real potential for losing the election.
Biden, who is currently 81 years old, tested positive for COVID-19 while in Las Vegas and is experiencing mild symptoms. Prior to this diagnosis, in a taped radio interview, he dismissed concerns about falling behind politically, stating that many voters do not pay close attention until September.
Within Congress, conversations about possibly rallying behind Harris as a potential nominee have begun, with some Democratic lawmakers preferring an open selection process for a new candidate. Senator Peter Welch from Vermont described the current unease among party members and donors as “not sustainable”, insisting that the discussion around Biden stepping aside cannot be ignored.
While many Democrats want Biden to continue his campaign, nearly two-thirds of party members believe he should step aside to allow for a new nominee, according to the AP-NORC poll, casting doubt on Biden's assertion that “average Democrats” are still firmly behind him.
Contributors: Associated Press writers Joey Cappelletti, Ellen Knickmeyer, Steve Peoples, and others.