Biden Under Pressure Ahead of US Election
US President Joe Biden is facing significant pressure ahead of the 2024 US election, following a contentious TV debate against likely Republican nominee Donald Trump. The debate performance has raised questions about Biden's suitability for another term, particularly given his age of 81. Criticism has come from various quarters, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who described the debate as a 'pathetic sight' and suggested that the election campaign appears orchestrated.
Calls for Biden's Resignation
The aftermath of the debate has led to calls from some Democrats for Biden to withdraw from the race. Despite this, Biden has defended his performance, describing it as a 'bad episode' in an interview with ABC. He emphasized that he would remain in the race and rejected the idea of an independent medical examination, asserting that he takes cognitive tests daily. Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy highlighted that the coming days are crucial for Biden's campaign, suggesting that Biden's recent interview may not have been sufficient to address voter concerns.
Campaign Tour in Pennsylvania
In response to the criticism, Biden has embarked on a campaign tour in Pennsylvania, a key state for securing the White House. His tour included visits to a historically black church in Philadelphia, meetings with campaign workers, and interactions with supporters in Harrisburg. This tour aims to counter the narrative questioning his physical fitness for a second term. Meanwhile, Democratic members of the House of Representatives convened for an extraordinary conference, with some high-ranking party officials reportedly urging Biden to drop out of the race.
- Biden's tour in Pennsylvania underscores his determination to continue campaigning vigorously despite the criticism. The state is crucial for any presidential candidate, and Biden's efforts to connect with voters there reflect his commitment to winning the election.
- The internal discussions among Democratic members highlight the uncertainty and divisions within the party regarding Biden's candidacy. The extraordinary conference called by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries indicates the seriousness of the situation and the consideration of alternative candidates.
