President Joe Biden is set to meet with Democratic governors and Capitol Hill leaders on Wednesday to address increasing concerns and discontent within the party, particularly following his recent debate performance against Donald Trump. This move comes as Biden faces mounting pressure from within his own ranks, with some Democrats urging him to reconsider his candidacy for re-election.
Addressing Party Concerns
On Tuesday, officials confirmed that Biden will engage in discussions aimed at reassuring party leaders of his capabilities. This comes after a challenging debate performance last week, where Biden struggled to maintain energy and coherence. At a campaign event in Virginia, Biden attributed his lackluster performance to exhaustion from international travel, stating, “I wasn’t very smart. I decided to travel around the world a couple times, going through around 100 time zones before the debate. Didn’t listen to my staff and came back and nearly fell asleep on stage.”
Polls and Party Sentiment
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that one in three Democrats believe Biden should withdraw from the race. The poll reflects growing concerns after the debate in Atlanta, where Biden’s performance was perceived as weak. As of Tuesday evening, 25 Democratic House members were reportedly preparing to call for Biden to step aside, despite his campaign’s efforts to downplay the issue and highlight the $38 million raised since last week.
Calls for Withdrawal
Lloyd Doggett, a Texas congressman, became the first House Democrat to publicly urge Biden to step down. Doggett expressed his disappointment, noting that the debate failed to boost Biden’s polling numbers in key battleground states. Drawing a parallel to former President Lyndon Johnson’s decision in 1968, Doggett suggested Biden consider stepping aside for a new generation of leaders.
Mixed Reactions
While some Democratic figures, such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have expressed ambivalence, others like Vermont Senator Peter Welch have criticized the Biden campaign’s dismissive attitude towards concerns about the president’s age. Welch emphasized the importance of addressing these issues candidly across all levels of the campaign.
Future Implications
The outcome of Biden’s meetings with Democratic governors and leaders will be crucial in determining the party’s direction as the 2024 election approaches. The president’s ability to address and mitigate internal discontent will play a significant role in shaping his campaign’s trajectory and the overall unity within the Democratic Party.