Biden's Firm Stance on His Candidacy
US President Joe Biden has firmly rejected calls to withdraw his candidacy from the upcoming elections. In a letter to Democrats in Congress, Biden highlighted his overwhelming victory in the Democratic Party primaries, securing over 14 million votes and the support of nearly 3,000 party delegates. He emphasized that the primary process was open to all, and the voters' choice should be respected.
Criticism and Support Within the Party
Despite Biden's strong stance, discussions within the Democratic Party about his potential withdrawal have intensified. After a lackluster performance in a televised debate with Donald Trump, concerns about Biden's health and viability as a candidate grew. Some influential Democratic congressmen have expressed doubts about his ability to defeat Trump, suggesting alternative candidates like Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Internal Struggles and Public Statements
Senior Democratic officials, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have held talks to address these concerns. However, no consensus has been reached on an alternative candidate. Biden, in a live appearance on MSNBC's Morning Joe, reiterated his intention to stay in the race and challenged his critics to compete against him at the party convention. Despite the internal debates, Biden's supporters argue that his candidacy should be judged by his overall performance and not a single debate.
- In a recent White House press conference, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faced tough questions about Biden's health, particularly regarding rumors of Parkinson's disease. She denied these claims, stating that Biden is regularly examined by a neurologist and is not being treated for the disease.
- Political analysts suggest that Biden's determination to stay in the race is influenced by personal and political stakes, including concerns about his son Hunter Biden's legal troubles. Experts believe that the Democratic Party can only replace Biden through direct pressure, but time is running out as the presidential campaign has been ongoing since last year.
- Some Democratic lawmakers have publicly called for Biden to step down, but many continue to support him, citing his numerous successes. The internal debate within the party reflects a broader anxiety about the upcoming election and the need to ensure victory against Trump.
