Growing Concerns Among Democrats About Biden's 2024 Candidacy

Growing Concerns Among Democrats About Biden's 2024 Candidacy

Four Democratic members of Congress, Adam Smith, Jerry Nadler, Mark Takano, and Joe Morelle, have joined the growing chorus of voices within the party questioning President Biden's fitness to run for re-election in 2024. During a phone call with House Democratic leadership on Sunday, these lawmakers expressed concerns about Biden's age, his performance in the recent debate against former President Trump, and his overall electability.

The call, which lasted over an hour, saw each lawmaker given the opportunity to voice their opinion. While not all explicitly called for Biden to step aside, several expressed doubts about his ability to defeat Trump in a rematch. The consensus among many was that Vice President Kamala Harris would be a stronger candidate and the natural choice to replace Biden should he decide to exit the race.

This internal dissent within the Democratic Party comes amidst growing public concerns about Biden's age and his ability to handle the rigors of another presidential campaign. Polling data has consistently shown that a significant portion of voters are worried about his age and its potential impact on his performance as president. Additionally, his widely criticized debate performance against Trump has further fueled these concerns.

While some Democrats, including Representatives Maxine Waters and Barbara Lee, remain staunchly behind Biden, others are starting to distance themselves. Representative Susan Wild, who narrowly won re-election in 2022, expressed concerns about campaigning with Biden and the potential impact it could have on her own chances of winning. Representative Angie Craig became the first frontline Democrat to publicly call for Biden to step aside, stating that he should "make way for the next generation of leadership."

The Congressional Black Caucus, a powerful group within the Democratic Party, remains largely supportive of Biden. However, there are reportedly "little cracks" emerging within the group, suggesting that their support may not be as unwavering as it once was.

Despite the growing concerns within his own party, President Biden has remained defiant, reiterating his intention to run for re-election. During a recent interview, he dismissed calls for him to step aside, stating that only "the Lord Almighty" could convince him to reconsider.

The coming months will be crucial for Biden and the Democratic Party as they navigate this internal debate about the 2024 presidential election. The party must decide whether to rally behind Biden, despite the growing concerns about his candidacy, or to look for an alternative candidate who may have a better chance of defeating Trump. This decision will have significant implications for the future of the Democratic Party and the direction of the country.