President Joe Biden has found himself at a critical juncture, beset by internal party pressures and personal health challenges.
Biden, recovering from a mild COVID-19 case in Delaware, faced -- and heeded -- calls to step aside as the Democratic nominee while Donald Trump’s recent actions heightened tensions within the party, as TIME reports.
Donald Trump’s recent convention acceptance speech, spanning 92 minutes, was a pivotal event, magnifying the existing divide among Democrats regarding Biden’s candidacy. Trump’s address, filled with inconsistencies, prompted mixed reactions within the Democratic Party about Biden’s capability to secure a victory in the upcoming election.
Biden is currently recuperating at his beach house in Delaware, isolated due to COVID-19. Despite his illness, he continues to fulfill his presidential duties remotely, managing critical issues such as a global computer malfunction affecting U.S. airspace.
Discussions within the Democratic Party have intensified, with more members having urged Biden to reconsider his bid for re-election. Public and private polls suggesting Biden might be a liability for the party have fueled these debates. Many high-profile Democrats worry that his low approval ratings could jeopardize the party’s prospects in a crucial election year.
Biden’s family and party discussions are key factors influencing his consideration of the future. Fundraising efforts have noticeably slowed, adding another layer of concern for his campaign’s viability. Yet, until Sunday, Biden remained committed to his re-election campaign, actively preparing his advertisements and travel plans.
In response to these internal pressures, the Democratic National Committee decided to delay Biden’s official renomination timeline until after Aug. 1. This strategic move is aimed at giving the party more time to navigate the apparent discord and present a united front.
Even with growing doubts, Biden was, until Sunday, projected to be the nominee at the convention in Chicago on Aug. 19. Party leaders are keen on avoiding a chaotic nominating process similar to the tumultuous 1968 convention.
Ron Klain, a senior adviser and former chief of staff, acknowledged the mounting pressure on Biden. “I think he’s feeling the pressure,” Klain stated, reflecting the rising concerns inside the party’s ranks.
Opinions within the party are starkly polarized. Some members believe Biden’s experience and previous accomplishments positioned him well to counter Trump, despite his current challenges. Others, however, have seen him as failing to energize the voter base. A senior Democratic official remarked, “He just doesn’t get it. Joe Biden has done so much for this country but he stands to be the undoing of this party.”
Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s campaign manager, emphasized the president’s determination as recently as Friday. “Absolutely, the President is in this race,” Dillon affirmed. She highlighted that Biden was more committed than ever to defeating Trump and that the campaign was prepared for a close election, identifying a clear path forward.
While Biden’s confidence appeared to have waned since the July 4 holiday, he remained resolute in his endeavor to win re-election until Sunday. Nonetheless, indications are emerging that he might eventually re-evaluate his candidacy, give
The Democratic Party's internal struggles are unfolding amid the backdrop of an increasingly complicated election landscape. Biden's Sunday decision to withdraw from the race sets the stage for an unprecedented scenario for the party.
