Joe Biden Reaffirms Candidacy Amid Calls for Withdrawal
Joe Biden, the 81-year-old Democrat, has once again confirmed his intent to stay in the race for the White House. Speaking to supporters in Detroit, Michigan, Biden addressed the ongoing speculation about his potential withdrawal from the presidential race. Despite facing criticism about his physical and mental state, Biden assured his supporters, 'I am a candidate and we will win.' He emphasized his capabilities, responding to doubts by saying, 'I promise you I'm fine.'
Criticism and Calls for an Open Convention
The president's determination comes in the face of growing calls from within his own party for an open Democratic convention. Over 20 former Democratic representatives have requested that Biden allow other candidates to run. In an open letter, they stated, 'President Biden would better serve the nation he loves by freeing up the delegates who must nominate him for a second term.' They cited concerns over his energy and stamina, particularly after a lackluster debate performance on June 27.
Biden's Campaign Strategy and Internal Party Dynamics
Biden's campaign is focused on demonstrating that he is the best candidate to defeat Donald Trump in November. He criticized Trump as 'a threat to the nation' and denounced the '2025 project,' a radical right-wing government program. Despite his campaign's efforts, Biden's gaffes, such as mistakenly referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as 'President Putin,' have not helped his cause. Major contributors have frozen $90 million in donations, and key figures like Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama have yet to publicly support his candidacy. Biden remains undeterred, promising to 'stay on the move' and continue his campaign efforts.
- In addition to the calls for an open convention, around fifteen current Democratic parliamentarians have also openly asked Biden to withdraw his candidacy before the inauguration convention in August. The signatories of the open letter believe that an open convention would 'rekindle optimism and excitement' and re-energize the party.
- The internal party dynamics are complex, with Biden failing to secure the public support of Hakeem Jeffries, the leader of his party's elected representatives in the House of Representatives. Jeffries informed his group of the meeting with Biden but did not explicitly endorse him. Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama, who has campaigned with Biden in the past, has remained silent on the issue.
