Obama, Pelosi and Other Democrats Push for him to Reconsider 2024 Race

Democratic Leaders Urge Biden to Reconsider 2024 Bid Amid Rising Concerns
High-profile Democrats are intensifying their push for President Joe Biden to reconsider his candidacy for the 2024 election. Former President Barack Obama has privately voiced his concerns to allies, while Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has warned Biden that continuing his bid could jeopardize the party’s chances of reclaiming the House of Representatives.
As Biden battles a COVID-19 infection at his home in Delaware, his political circle, already tight-knit, has become even smaller. With Biden isolated, his decision on whether to heed the growing calls to withdraw is pending. On Thursday, Montana Senator Jon Tester joined nearly two dozen congressional Democrats in urging Biden to step aside, stating, “Biden should not seek reelection to another term.”
The Biden campaign is set to hold an all-staff meeting on Friday, as the party braces for a critical weekend. This comes as Republican Donald Trump concludes a significant Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, while Democrats face the extraordinary possibility of Biden withdrawing before their convention next month in Chicago.
Amidst swirling anxiety and information, Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, Biden’s closest congressional ally and campaign co-chair, emphasized the need for Biden to have private discussions with caucus members and Democratic leaders, away from media leaks and press statements. Much of the reporting on this situation relies on anonymous sources familiar with the private discussions, with The Washington Post first revealing Obama’s involvement.
Despite mounting pressure, Biden remains resolute about his campaign, according to campaign officials. Senior aides have not discussed the prospect of him dropping out. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) plans to meet to discuss the virtual roll call nominating Biden in early August, before the party’s convention later that month.
However, Biden’s absence from the campaign trail has led some to suggest that now might be an opportune moment for his departure. Issues such as fundraising difficulties and the possibility of a less favorable outcome in November have led key Democrats to consider advocating for a new nominee. Biden, 81, who recently tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, has dismissed concerns about his political recovery, noting that public focus on the election usually intensifies closer to September.
In Congress, discussions have begun about potentially rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris as an alternative. Some Democratic lawmakers are expressing doubts about Biden’s viability and are considering supporting others who have called for him to step down. Vermont Senator Peter Welch, who has publicly urged Biden to exit the race, described the current state of party unrest as “not sustainable.”
Obama has indicated to allies that while Biden must assess the viability of his campaign, the decision ultimately rests with him. The former president has been in contact with congressional leaders, Democratic governors, and key donors to address their concerns.
Pelosi has also presented polling data suggesting Biden’s chances against Trump might be slim, though she has since dismissed the “feeding frenzy” from anonymous sources as misrepresentations of her conversations with Biden.
Biden’s deputy campaign manager, Quentin Fulks, has insisted that Biden remains firm in his commitment to run. Nonetheless, influential Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, are expressing significant concerns. The outcome of the November election could potentially lead to a Republican sweep, advancing Trump’s agenda for years to come.
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene has conveyed the worries of front-line Democrats seeking re-election. Major political donors, particularly in California, are pressuring both the president’s campaign and members of Congress. Schumer has encouraged donors to address their concerns directly with the White House.
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland suggested in a recent letter to Biden that stepping aside gracefully might be a strategic move, likening it to taking a well-deserved bow.
Despite these challenges, there is a faction within the party advocating for Biden to continue. The Democratic National Committee is moving forward with plans for a virtual vote to formally nominate Biden in early August, ahead of the convention starting August 19.
Rep. James Clyburn, a prominent Biden ally, has been campaigning on his behalf and emphasized Biden’s proven experience and expertise. However, a recent AP-NORC poll reveals that nearly two-thirds of Democrats believe Biden should step aside in favor of a new candidate, challenging Biden’s assertion that he still has broad support among average Democrats.
The Biden campaign highlights continued backing from legislators in key swing states and from the Congressional Black and Hispanic caucuses. Nevertheless, support within Congress appears divided, with a recent private lunch revealing limited enthusiasm among senators for Biden’s campaign.