In a whirlwind 24 hours that have rocked the political landscape, Joe Biden faces one of the most crucial presidential news conferences in modern history on Thursday. As the concluding event of the NATO summit, the pressure on Biden has intensified as his political support continues to erode.
Calls from supporters in Congress and Hollywood for Biden to step aside for the sake of the party and country have become louder. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi made it clear that she believes Biden should reconsider his options as doubts about his ability to secure a second term continue to grow.
The rebellion against Biden, while only joined by a small minority of congressional Democrats, is indicative of a deeper concern permeating Capitol Hill. With fears rising that ex-President Donald Trump could lead a GOP landslide, some Democrats worry that Biden’s insistence on running again could endanger democracy.
Amidst discussions at the NATO summit about saving Ukraine, cracks in Biden’s support were becoming more pronounced. The president’s determination to run again, despite his lackluster debate performance, is facing challenges from within his own party.
Pelosi, in a morning interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” hinted that it was up to Biden to decide if he should run again, suggesting that he consider stepping aside. Lawmakers echoed similar sentiments throughout the day, with some calling for Biden to recognize that his candidacy may not be the best option to defeat Trump.
Even top Biden campaign officials are set to meet with Democratic senators on Thursday to make the president’s case, but doubts about his ability to win the election are mounting. A recent op-ed by Vermont Sen. Peter Welch publicly called on Biden to withdraw, citing concerns about his ability to defeat Trump.
While not all Democratic leaders have called for Biden to leave the race, the growing discontent within the party is evident. Actor and Democratic donor George Clooney’s public criticism of Biden added weight to the concerns about the president’s candidacy.
As Biden prepares for a critical news conference on Thursday, the stakes are high. With polling data showing a decline in support for Biden since the debate, the Democratic Party is facing a moment of reckoning as it contemplates the viability of his candidacy. The deepening crisis within the party is not only damaging Biden’s chances but also providing ample fodder for Trump and Republicans to launch attacks against him if he becomes the nominee.
