WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden’s presidential reelection bid hung in the balance on Saturday, after efforts to put a disastrous debate showing behind him failed to silence voices urging that he quit the White House race.
Biden’s candidacy is under increasing scrutiny and pressure following a widely criticized debate performance against former President Donald Trump, raising questions about his ability to lead the Democratic ticket into the 2024 election.
In a television interview on Friday aimed at quelling concerns, Biden dismissed suggestions of waning mental and physical fitness, attributing his poor debate showing to a severe cold rather than any cognitive decline.
“I had a bad night. It happens,” Biden asserted defiantly during the interview. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not fit to continue campaigning or serving as president.”
Despite Biden’s efforts to brush off doubts, calls for him to step aside have intensified within Democratic ranks. Several House representatives, including Angie Craig, have publicly urged Biden to reconsider his candidacy, citing concerns over his ability to effectively challenge Trump.
“I do not believe that the President can effectively campaign and win against Donald Trump,” Craig stated, joining a chorus of voices within the party urging a change in course.
Internal dissent is brewing as well. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has scheduled a virtual meeting of senior Democratic representatives on Sunday to discuss the future of Biden’s candidacy, while Senator Mark Warner is reportedly planning a similar forum in the Senate.
Despite the growing discontent, Biden’s campaign is forging ahead with scheduled events, including an upcoming rally in Pennsylvania and visits to other battleground states later in the month.
Criticism continues that Biden appears out of touch with concerns about his capabilities, particularly evident in moments where he has struggled to clear his positions outside scripted settings.
Democratic strategist David Axelrod underscored these concerns, suggesting Biden’s confidence in his abilities may not align with public perception.
“The president is rightfully proud of his record. But he is dangerously out-of-touch with the concerns people have about his capacities moving forward and his standing in this race,” Axelrod commented.
In response to Trump’s jabs on social media, where the former president ridiculed Biden’s performance and urged him to exhibit sharper resolve, Biden remains steadfast in his commitment to continue campaigning vigorously.
The upcoming NATO leaders’ summit in Washington will present another crucial test for Biden, with a scheduled press conference expected to provide further insights into his leadership and campaign strategy.
