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.
Republicans are increasingly optimistic about flipping Virginia in the upcoming November election.
Recent polls indicate a close race between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden 9in the Commonwealth, creating a competitive atmosphere in a historically Democratic-leaning state, as The Hill reports.
Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are polling within a few points of each other in Virginia, a state that has leaned Democratic for decades. The shift in polling suggests a potentially significant change in the electoral landscape, one that Republicans are eager to capitalize on.
According to recent surveys, Trump and Biden are polling within 2 to 5 points in Virginia. An Emerson College/The Hill poll shows Trump leading Biden 45% to 43%, within the margin of error. Conversely, a Florida Atlantic University survey places Biden ahead at 47% to 42%. These mixed results underscore the state's competitive nature.
Virginia has not voted for a Republican presidential candidate since 2004. In 2020, Biden won the state by 10 points, following Hillary Clinton's more than 5-point victory in 2016. The trend seemed consistent with former President Barack Obama winning by nearly four points in 2012 and more than 6 points in 2008.
Yet, polling data shows fluctuating support for both candidates. A Virginia Commonwealth University poll found Trump leading Biden by three points, while a New York Times/Siena College poll showed Biden leading by the same margin. The close margins reveal Virginia as a battleground with potential volatility.
Zack Roday, a Republican strategist, described Virginia as "a toss-up," noting Biden’s current struggles. He suggests Trump has not yet reached his peak support, implying more room for growth among Republican voters in the state. Another Republican strategist, Jared Leopold, expressed skepticism about long-term victories based on current measures. He criticized the Republican campaign’s lack of field offices, comparing it to a football team failing to place all players on the field.
Historically, Virginia Democrats have seen considerable success in recent years, particularly in the 2022 midterms, where they managed to retake the General Assembly. Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine currently leads his GOP challenger Hung Cao by 10 points according to an Emerson College/The Hill survey.
Trump's path to victory involves maximizing turnout in rural areas and improving Republican performance in suburban regions, particularly Northern Virginia. Recent endorsements, like Nikki Haley’s at the Republican National Convention, aim to solidify Trump's support base, despite their past conflicts.
In a bid to draw more support, Trump recently held a post-debate rally in Hampton Roads, a critical swing area. Gov. Glenn Youngkin has been advocating for Trump to campaign extensively across the state, mirroring his own successful gubernatorial campaign strategy.
Justin Discigil, a representative from Youngkin’s camp, noted the governor’s win involved campaigning in every community with messages of common sense and conservative principles. This inclusive approach is being recommended to Trump as a blueprint for his efforts in Virginia.
Virginia Delegate Don Scott, however, remains confident that Democrats will outmaneuver Republicans. He emphasized the strength of the Democratic infrastructure built by the Biden campaign and derided the Republican efforts as insufficient. Scott expressed positive sentiments about Republicans focusing their resources in Virginia, hoping it would detract from efforts in other crucial battleground states like Pennsylvania and Michigan. He believes that prolonged Republican focus on Virginia will ultimately be fruitless.
Reflecting on national implications, Zack Roday suggested Virginia’s volatility is a precursor to broader trends. He implied that success in Virginia could foretell Republican victories in other Rust Belt battlegrounds. As the campaigns heat up, all eyes will be on Virginia as it potentially redefines its affiliation in the 2024 elections.
The head of the Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, will testify in a House hearing concerning the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
According to Fox News, the decision follows a subpoena by the House Oversight and Accountability Committee due to initial non-cooperation from the Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle's consent to testify was announced on Wednesday evening. This development follows a subpoena necessitated by a lack of cooperation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and her agency.
The House Oversight and Accountability Committee subpoenaed Director Cheatle as part of their investigation into the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. This incident took place at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last Saturday, leaving a rally attendee dead and several others injured.
Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., expressed frustration, stating that the committee has not received any significant updates or data. In a letter attached to the subpoena, the committee criticized the lack of transparency from both DHS and the Secret Service.
"Americans demand and deserve answers from Director Cheatle about the attempted assassination of President Trump and the Secret Service's egregious failures," stated the GOP-led committee in a post on X after the announcement of Cheatle's agreement to appear.
The full committee hearing is slated for Monday, July 22. The committee had initially requested Cheatle's voluntary appearance, but a subpoena was issued to ensure her testimony, preventing any possibility of DHS retracting her appearance.
In a statement to Fox News's Chad Pergram, an Oversight Committee spokesperson explained that the subpoena was a precaution to avert any potential backtracking by DHS regarding Cheatle's attendance at the hearing on Monday.
The letter accompanying the subpoena further underscored the pressing need for Cheatle's testimony. It cited the lack of transparency and failure of DHS and the Secret Service to work with the Committee regarding this critical matter.
The committee has been vocal about the need for greater clarity and accountability from the Secret Service. Cheatle's testimony is seen as a crucial step in addressing the concerns surrounding the assassination attempt and the agency's preparedness.
The assassination attempt on former President Trump during a campaign event deeply shook many. It underscored the necessity for robust protective measures and raised questions about the systemic issues within the Secret Service.
The committee's subpoena of Cheatle was marked by a sense of urgency and the imperative to restore trust in the agency's capabilities.
Director Cheatle's compliance with the subpoena is a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation. It reflects the committee's determination to scrutinize and rectify the failures leading up to the tragic incident at the Trump rally. With Cheatle’s appearance now confirmed, the public and the committee anticipate meaningful disclosures and resolutions from Monday’s hearing.
According to Breitbart News, President Joe Biden suggested for the first time that he would reevaluate his candidacy if faced with a serious medical issue, reflecting growing concerns about his health.
This comes amid internal divisions within the Democratic Party and following a dramatic assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, President Joe Biden stated he might reconsider his candidacy if his doctors identified a significant medical issue. This marked the first instance where Biden indicated that health concerns could impact his presidential bid.
Previously, Biden had maintained that only divine intervention could compel him to reconsider running for office. However, he revised his stance during an interview with BET News’s Ed Gordon. Biden acknowledged that many within his party were attempting to remove him from the ticket. He also retracted his earlier statement about being a "transitional candidate," noting the increased political division in the country.
Following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, Democrat infighting about Biden’s position temporarily subsided. Since the attack, no Democrats have publicly opposed Biden's candidacy.
However, there is uncertainty about whether opposition to Biden will gain traction amid the Republican National Convention and related events. An AP/NORC poll revealed that approximately two-thirds of Democrats desire Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race.
Special Counsel Robert Hur described Biden as “an elderly man with a poor memory.” Biden's health issues include atrial fibrillation, peripheral neuropathy in his feet, and hyperlipidemia.
Biden has stumbled and fallen at least five times during his presidency. To reduce attention to his physical ailments, he walks with multiple aides and uses shorter steps to board Air Force One.
Biden wears specially crafted sports shoes instead of typical dress shoes with his suits to aid in walking. He told BET News’s Ed Gordon, "If I had some medical condition that emerged, if doctors came to me and said, ‘You got this problem, that problem.’"
Biden also stated, "I said I was going to be a transitional candidate, and I thought I’d be able to move on from this, pass it on to someone else. But I didn’t anticipate things getting so, so, so divided."
Biden emphasized that age brings wisdom and believes he has demonstrated his ability to accomplish tasks for the country. Despite this, concerns about his health and memory persist.
The Democratic Party is divided on Biden's candidacy due to internal tensions and public opinion. Biden's health and ability to lead are contentious issues, and his future campaign decisions may hinge on these concerns.
Biden's health concerns and the Democratic Party's internal divisions create a challenging landscape for his campaign. The impact of recent events, including the assassination attempt on Trump, adds to the uncertainty surrounding Biden's future.
In summary, President Joe Biden's comments about potentially reconsidering his candidacy due to health concerns mark a significant shift in his stance. Amid internal Democratic Party divisions and recent violent incidents, Biden's future in the 2024 presidential race remains uncertain.
Former President Donald Trump has called for Secret Service protection for independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., highlighting the Kennedy family's historical significance.
Axios reported that Trump stressed the importance of protecting Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has increasingly sought government security support. This comes after a shooting at one of Trump's rallies over the weekend.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump pointed to the Kennedy family's tragic history as a compelling reason for offering protection. He stated, "Given the history of the Kennedy Family, this is the obvious right thing to do!"
Gavin de Becker, Kennedy's security consultant, revealed to POLITICO that a formal request for protection is currently pending with the Department of Homeland Security. This request has gained traction among lawmakers following the violent incident at Trump's rally.
The rally, held in western Pennsylvania, was marred by a shooting that left Trump with a grazed ear. The shooter and another person died at the scene, while at least two others were critically injured.
The Secret Service has expressed its readiness to cooperate with congressional investigations and oversight regarding the incident. The agency's statement comes amid growing concerns about security for high-profile political figures.
In response to the rally shooting, a bipartisan effort is underway in the House to introduce legislation aimed at enhancing protection for President Joe Biden, Trump, and Kennedy. This proposed bill seeks to address the increasing threats faced by these prominent figures.
Kennedy has renewed his calls for protection, coinciding with the anniversary of his father's assassination in early June. His father, Robert F. Kennedy Sr., was fatally shot on June 5, 1968, and succumbed to his injuries the following day.
The Kennedy family's history of tragic losses extends further back, with former President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s uncle, being assassinated on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. This history adds weight to the calls for increased security measures for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The deadly incident at Trump's rally has intensified the discussion around security for political candidates. The rally's aftermath, with its fatalities and injuries, underscores the urgent need for protective measures.
Lawmakers from both parties are coming together to push for enhanced security for key political figures. This effort reflects the heightened concerns about the safety of individuals running for the highest office in the country.
In summary, former President Trump has urged the Secret Service to protect Robert F. Kennedy Jr., citing the Kennedy family's historical significance. This follows a deadly shooting at a Trump rally, where the former president narrowly escaped serious injury.
The rally's violent outcome has prompted bipartisan efforts in the House to enhance security measures for key political figures, including President Biden, Trump, and Kennedy. Kennedy's campaign has a formal request for protection pending with the Department of Homeland Security, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures in light of recent events.
An attempted assassination on former President Donald Trump occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident sparked quick responses and emotional connections from Jill Biden, Melania Trump, and President Joe Biden.
According to Daily Mail, Jill Biden reached out to Melania Trump by phone on Sunday after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
The First Lady, Jill Biden, called her predecessor, Melania Trump, on Sunday afternoon. According to a White House official, no further details about their conversation have been shared. The previous evening, President Joe Biden briefly called Donald Trump. Biden described the interaction as "short but good."
The relationship between Jill Biden and Melania Trump has been notably cordial. They have been known to exchange birthday cards and attend events as part of their roles as first ladies.
The assassination attempt unfolded on Saturday at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old assailant, fired multiple rounds from an automatic weapon aimed at Trump.
Crooks positioned himself on a rooftop outside the rally's security perimeter. The Secret Service later denied that they had shifted any resources away from Donald Trump to protect Jill Biden, who was attending an event in Pittsburgh.
Anthony Guglielmi, the Secret Service's chief of communications, confirmed the complexity of their protection models, stating, "We did not divert resources from FPOTUS Trump, and protection models don't work that way."
In a statement reacting to the attempt on her husband's life, Melania Trump expressed profound horror and sadness. She described the impact as a potential life-altering event for her and her son, Barron.
Melania Trump harshly criticized the assailant, calling him a "monster." She shared her distress at witnessing the bullet strike her husband and praised the courage of the Secret Service agents and law enforcement officers who risked their lives.
Melania Trump has voiced a call for unity and a condemnation of violence. She urged everyone to rise above hatred and simple-minded ideas that incite such acts. Her statement invited people to see beyond political divides and remember the humanity of politicians as beloved family members.
Last appearing publicly during the primaries, Melania Trump has notably stayed away from much of the campaign trail. Unlike First Lady Jill Biden, who has been active in her support for the President’s reelection campaign, Melania has made limited appearances.
When asked if she would join the campaign trail in March, Melania Trump cryptically responded, "Stay tuned." Despite skipping significant events such as the first presidential debate in Atlanta, Melania is slated to attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. However, she is not expected to address the delegates.
Summing up the story, a tragic assassination attempt on Donald Trump unified first ladies across party lines. The bravery of security personnel, emotional responses from Melania, Jill Biden's support, and President Biden's compassion all marked the aftermath of the incident.
Jacqueline Marsaw, a field director for Rep. Bennie Thompson, was terminated following her controversial remarks about an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
Marsaw's termination has stirred significant backlash and highlighted ongoing political tensions surrounding Trump.
According to Breitbart News, Jacqueline Marsaw, who worked for Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), expressed her disappointment on social media that former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt. Marsaw's Facebook profile identified her as a field director for Thompson.
In her posts, Marsaw wrote: "I don’t condone violence but please get you some shooting lessons so you don’t miss next time ooops [sic] that wasn’t me talking." She further added, "That’s what your hate speech got you!!" and "Couldn’t happened to a nicer fellow but was it staged."
Marsaw's posts went viral after being screenshotted by Russ Latino of the Magnolia Tribune and Matthew Hurtt of the Leadership Institute. The posts were deleted or set to private shortly thereafter.
Upon learning of Marsaw’s comments, Rep. Bennie Thompson stated to Fox News’ Aishah Hasnie, "I was made aware of a post made by a staff member and she is no longer in my employment."
Thompson condemned all forms of political violence, emphasizing, "There is no room in American democracy for political violence. I am grateful for law enforcement’s fast response to this incident. I am glad the former President is safe, and my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved."
Donald Trump Jr. reacted strongly to the incident, highlighting that Democrats, including Thompson, had previously introduced legislation to remove Trump's Secret Service protection upon a conviction. He stated, "Remember, if @BennieGThompson and the Democrats got their way, my dad would be dead right now."
Trump Jr. continued, "Don’t let them memory hole it," underscoring the gravity of Marsaw’s comments and the broader implications.
The assassination attempt on Trump was carried out by 20-year-old gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks. The attempt, fortunately, failed, with law enforcement responding swiftly to the threat.
Marsaw's controversial remarks have ignited discussions about the appropriateness of political discourse and the responsibilities of public servants. The incident has not only brought Marsaw’s personal views into the spotlight but also raised questions about the broader climate of political expression and the limits of acceptable speech.
As the fallout from this incident continues, it remains a potent example of the need for careful, considered communication, especially from those in positions of public trust and authority. The condemnation from both sides of the political aisle underscores a shared commitment to preventing violence and maintaining the integrity of democratic processes.
Jacqueline Marsaw’s termination after her controversial comments about an assassination attempt on former President Trump has sparked significant backlash and discussions about political responsibility and speech. The rapid response by Rep. Bennie Thompson reflects the importance of unequivocally condemning political violence. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions in American politics and the critical need for responsible discourse.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and nine other senators are calling for the immediate termination of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke, alleging that she lied to Congress under oath.
The senators assert that Clarke, who serves under Attorney General Merrick Garland, committed perjury during her Senate confirmation by concealing a past arrest, as Breitbart reports.
They claim Clarke provided false testimony about a 2006 arrest during her confirmation hearing in 2021.
Clarke, who serves in Garland's Justice Department, allegedly denied ever being arrested or accused of committing a violent crime.
“During her nomination to her current role, Ms. Clarke was asked if she had ‘ever been arrested for or accused of committing a violent crime against any person.’” Cotton and his colleagues stated in their letter. Clarke's unambiguous response under oath was a firm "No," which is now being challenged. Senators claim Clarke's statement was false and that she sought to cover it up.
The 2006 arrest Clarke is accused of concealing involved her allegedly attacking and injuring someone with a knife. Cotton and his cosigners argue that Clarke's recent admission to the incident validates their claims of perjury. Clarke reportedly contacted the victim, alongside her publicist, to suppress the truth before the full Senate vote on her nomination.
In May, Clarke gave an exclusive statement to CNN, acknowledging the 2006 arrest but contending she was not obliged to disclose it because it had been expunged. Expungement typically involves obliterating or sealing legal records, thereby obstructing public access. Cotton and his cosigners remained unconvinced, stressing that lying to Congress constitutes a felony.
Cotton referred to Garland's prior proclamations about the Department of Justice's commitment to the rule of law and integrity. The letter presses hard on the notion that Clarke fails to meet these standards in light of the revelation. Citing Garland's own words against him, Cotton wrote: “The integrity of our legal system is premised on adherence to the rule of law. In order to have confidence in our Department and in everything that we do.”
This is not the first time Garland finds himself under rigorous scrutiny. The House previously held him in contempt for his refusal to comply with Congressional subpoenas. Cotton and his co-signers view the situation involving Clarke as the latest threat to the Department’s credibility.
Besides Cotton, the letter demanding Clarke's removal was co-signed by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mike Lee (R-UT), Chuck Grassley (R-IO), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Kennedy (R-LA), and John Cornyn (R-TX). Collectively, these lawmakers emphasize that Clarke's actions undermine the principles of justice she represents.
“Ms. Clarke has now admitted that she was arrested in 2006 for attacking and injuring someone with a knife. It has also recently come to light that, shortly before the full Senate voted on her nomination, Ms. Clarke and her publicist contacted the man she attacked in an attempt to cover up her false testimony,” the senators wrote.
The senators' insistence on Clarke's firing emphasizes the complexity and gravity of the situation. They see it as imperative to maintaining the trust and integrity of the Department of Justice. With Garland's past legal troubles with Congress adding to the tension, the demand for Clarke’s dismissal is notably high stakes.
In conclusion, Cotton and his colleagues allege that Clarke lied about a 2006 arrest during her Senate confirmation hearing. The accusation holds that Clarke committed perjury, a felony, by denying a violent incident. Kristen Clarke later admitted to the arrest, contending her expunged record negated the requirement to disclose it. Senators now press Attorney General Merrick Garland to fire Clarke, citing the need to uphold the Department's integrity.
Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi are facing a pivotal moment in the Democratic Party as internal doubts about President Joe Biden's 2024 candidacy intensify.
Obama and Pelosi have reportedly privately discussed Biden's future, with increasing Democratic skepticism about his chances against Donald Trump, as CNN reports.
In recent private conversations, former President Obama and former House Speaker Pelosi have raised concerns over Biden’s ability to secure victory in the upcoming election. With the primary season fast approaching, their influence looms large over the party’s strategic decisions.
Obama and Pelosi have not determined what actions to take concerning Biden's campaign, but their involvement is highly anticipated by the party's rank-and-file. Prominent Democrats are increasingly calling for unity and a decisive plan to overcome the looming threat of a Trump re-election.
Democrats are looking to end infighting, hence their request for Obama and Pelosi's guidance. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are said to lack the close relationship with Biden necessary to intervene effectively.
Discussions with over a dozen congressional members and operatives revealed that some believe Biden’s candidacy might be nearing its end. They urge Obama and Pelosi to make their positions clear quickly to avoid further internal damage. Pelosi’s colleagues, meanwhile, are hopeful that she can influence Biden to reconsider his candidacy, though she has remained non-committal following a post-debate conversation with him.
Obama's recent public silence has added to Democratic anxieties. Though he downplayed Biden's debate performance on social media, referencing his own difficulties in 2012, there remains widespread skepticism about Biden's re-election chances.
The powerful duo's role during this trying period are bound to be historically significant, with many insiders noting that both are closely observing Biden’s next move. Biden's campaign, however, declined to comment on the matter. Adding to the intrigue, a Pelosi spokesperson refuted claims that any member of Congress is privy to her conversations with Obama, signaling the clandestine nature of their discussions.
Obama has mostly been serving in a listening role, engaging with donors and officials without taking a strong public stance, while seeking to unify the party. In private calls, he has offered Biden advice but reportedly refrained from directing his actions. His complicated relationship with Biden, stemming from previous campaign cycles, could influence how he positions himself. Some speculate Biden might resist if Obama suggests stepping down, recalling past decisions tied to their political history.
Simultaneously, Obama is careful not to provide any ammunition to Trump by staying minimally involved, at least in a outward-facing way. His aim is to remain neutral when in the public eye , keeping his options open for any intense discussions with Biden if needed.
Pelosi's role is also under scrutiny. During this critical juncture, she remains a longtime ally of Biden but has subtly conveyed doubts about his candidacy. Her recent comments on MSNBC and subsequent private conversations have emphasized restraint from criticism during international diplomatic meetings.
A House Democrat believes that if Biden steps down, Pelosi would be crucial in providing the necessary leadership given her credibility and experience. Pelosi was expected to return to San Francisco on Friday, furthering speculation on her potential actions.
Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi face significant scrutiny amid increasing doubts about Joe Biden's 2024 campaign. They are tasked with navigating their roles delicately to maintain party unity and determine the most strategic path forward as internal party tensions rise.
NBC News reported that several of President Joe Biden's closest allies believe he has no realistic chance of winning the upcoming election.
Despite campaign struggles and dropping support, Biden remains determined to pursue a second term.
President Joe Biden’s bid for re-election is increasingly seen as futile among his closest allies and campaign team. A consensus is emerging within his campaign and the broader Democratic base that Biden should reconsider his campaign.
In late June, Biden suffered a significant setback during a debate, igniting further anxiety among supporters. Efforts to stabilize the situation included meetings between Biden aides and Democratic senators and a news briefing.
Due to cognitive concerns, inadequate fundraising, and plummeting poll numbers, many top campaign figures and advisers now doubt Biden’s ability to win.
Among the growing internal dissent, there have been calls to elevate Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. According to various insiders, Harris could potentially present a stronger opposition to former President Donald Trump.
Biden campaign official TJ Ducklo strongly denies any notions of the campaign being at a critical failure point. He insists, “This team stands with the president.” Campaign Chair Jen O’Malley Dillon and Manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez expressed their belief in Biden’s ability to secure key states, describing the recent setbacks as manageable hurdles.
Although Biden's support appears fragile, internal and public polling reflects a close race in pivotal states. Recent polls revealed Biden trailing in Wisconsin, emphasizing the campaign’s fundraising issues compared to Trump’s growing support.
A campaign strategist highlighted the dire situation by noting, “We're all waiting around for Joe Biden to f--- up again.” Many insiders are increasingly concerned about the trickle-down effects of Biden’s weak performance in other Democratic races.
Private discussions within the Biden campaign have begun assessing Harris’s viability in comparison to Trump. Concurrently, Trump has bolstered his attacks against Harris in his rallies.
Biden's decision-making process appears to be highly influenced by his family and a handful of longstanding advisors. This insular approach has fueled dissatisfaction among some prominent Democratic figures who wish for Biden to bow out for the sake of party unity.
One anonymous Democratic lawmaker confided that while he wouldn't publicly denounce Biden, he believes stepping down would be the best move for both Biden and the country. He warned that Biden’s possible defeat could damage his legacy irrevocably and significantly harm down-ballot Democrats.
The sentiment among President Joe Biden's closest allies and campaign officials is that his chances of re-election are slim to none. While efforts to recover from a recent debate debacle and stabilize the campaign continue, doubts about Biden’s ability to secure victory persist. There is a growing call within the Democratic ranks to consider Vice President Kamala Harris as a stronger candidate. Insiders fear that Biden’s floundering campaign might not only affect his standing but also impact other Democratic candidates negatively.