US President Joe Biden returned to the campaign trail on Sunday, determined to continue despite increasing pressure from Democratic politicians to abandon his candidacy. The pressure has intensified after his controversial performance during a recent debate with his Republican rival, Donald Trump.
Biden, 81, attended a mass at Mount Airy Church in Philadelphia, where he addressed the congregation in a black church. Later, he participated in a meeting with unionists and supporters in Harrisburg. During his brief remarks, Biden emphasized his experience and the need to unite the country, while the audience chanted '4 more years.'
Biden has stated that only 'divine power' could convince him to stop his campaign, dismissing the possibility that Democratic Party leaders could persuade him to step down. First Lady Jill Biden, who supports her husband's candidacy, is scheduled to campaign in Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina.
The White House confirmed that Biden held a regular phone call with his campaign co-chairs and acknowledged the potential for increased congressional pressure as lawmakers return from vacation. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, a close ally of Biden, urged the president to increase his engagement with citizens and hold more meetings without a teleprompter.
Murphy emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling the upcoming week 'very crucial' for both the country and Biden's campaign. Democratic Representative Adam Schiff attributed the close race between Trump and Biden to the president's age, while Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called for a virtual crisis meeting to discuss the best way forward.
Five Democratic representatives have already asked Biden to withdraw from the race, citing concerns about his ability to run an effective campaign against Trump. Despite these calls, Biden remains steadfast, with the New York Times reporting that he is considering his options. However, the White House has denied these claims.
In a television interview, Biden asserted that no one is more qualified than him to beat Trump, though he dodged questions about his physical and mental state. He attributed his poor debate performance to exhaustion and reiterated his commitment to the campaign.
Meanwhile, Trump has remained unusually quiet, enjoying the discord among Democrats. Biden's campaign team has unveiled an intense battle plan for July, including numerous television spots and trips to key states. The week ahead will be challenging, with Biden hosting a NATO summit and working to reassure allies concerned about a potential Trump victory.
- Biden's determination to stay in the race comes amid significant pressure from within his own party. Democratic leaders are increasingly vocal about their concerns regarding his candidacy, particularly in light of his age and recent debate performance.
- First Lady Jill Biden's active involvement in the campaign highlights the personal stakes for the Biden family. Her scheduled appearances in key states underscore the campaign's strategy to bolster support and counteract criticisms.
- The upcoming NATO summit presents an additional challenge for Biden, as he must navigate international concerns while maintaining his campaign momentum. European allies are particularly anxious about the possibility of a Trump victory and its implications for the Western military alliance.
- Biden's campaign strategy for July is aggressive, reflecting the urgency of the situation. The planned television spots and state visits aim to solidify his support base and address the criticisms that have emerged following his debate performance.
