President Joe Biden reassured his fellow Democrats on Monday that he is "firmly committed" to continuing his 2024 presidential campaign, aiming to quell fears that the party could lose both the White House and Congress in the upcoming November 5 election.
"I am not going anywhere," Biden stated during an interview with MSNBC after participating in their Morning Joe program. Some Democrats in the House of Representatives have urged the 81-year-old Biden to withdraw from the campaign, which has faced challenges since his less-than-stellar debate performance against Republican Donald Trump on June 27. Subsequent public appearances have failed to silence doubts among Democrats about Biden's ability to win or endure another term in office.
Discussions among lawmakers are expected to escalate upon their return to Capitol Hill on Monday. Several senior House Democrats reportedly called for Biden to step down during a Sunday phone call, although others expressed support for his candidacy. In a letter to Democrats, Biden acknowledged their concerns but urged unity.
"The question of how to move forward has been thoroughly discussed for over a week now. And it's time for it to end," Biden wrote. "We have one job. And that is to beat Donald Trump." Democrats are struggling to maintain their narrow 51-49 majority in the US Senate, with several incumbents facing re-election in states leaning towards Republicans. Some party members see regaining a House majority as their best strategy to retain influence in Washington if Trump, 78, were to reclaim the presidency.
Biden plans to continue engaging with voters at various locations such as churches and union halls in the coming days, while also reaching out to long-standing legislative contacts to address concerns. A growing number of Democratic lawmakers are expressing worries that Biden's low public approval ratings, coupled with concerns about his age and capabilities, could negatively impact the party in approximately two dozen highly competitive House races. Vice-President Kamala Harris is considered the most likely candidate to succeed Biden if he were to withdraw.
On Sunday, Biden made several campaign stops in Pennsylvania, a pivotal state known for its decisive role in elections. He was accompanied by Senator John Fetterman, a prominent Democrat who opposes calls for Biden to exit the race. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that one in three Democratic registered voters think Biden should withdraw from the race, with 59 percent within his party believing he is too old to serve in government.
Biden's difficulties seem to be amplifying the number of races Democrats need to focus on in November. Internal party polling indicates that New Mexico and Virginia have become more competitive following the debate, according to a source familiar with the findings. The nonpartisan Center for Politics at the University of Virginia recently adjusted its ratings for Michigan and Minnesota to slightly favor Republicans. These states will host several of the most competitive House races, a significant factor given the Republicans' narrow 219-213 majority in the chamber.
The Republicans' 19-month tenure in the majority has been characterized by turmoil, including the unprecedented removal of their former speaker, Kevin McCarthy. Both McCarthy and his successor, Mike Johnson, have frequently relied on Democratic votes to pass crucial legislation, such as bills to keep the government operational and to prevent a catastrophic default on the nation's debt. If Republicans were to seize the White House and both houses of Congress, Trump would face minimal constraints in implementing significant policy changes.
