Mounting Pressure on President Biden: Senior Officials Urge Him to Withdraw from 2024 Race
President Joe Biden faces increasing isolation within the White House and campaign circles. Many senior officials privately believe he should abandon his campaign for a second term due to various concerns about his performance and the current political climate.
Mounting Pressure from Within
Numerous sources within the West Wing and Biden’s campaign have expressed concerns about his ability to continue. A Democratic governor closely connected with party officials highlighted the urgency, stating, “The next 72 hours are big… This can’t go on much longer.” This sentiment is echoed by more than two dozen individuals familiar with the internal dynamics, indicating widespread belief that Biden’s candidacy is untenable.
Isolation and Insulation
Since the CNN presidential debate on June 27, President Biden has become increasingly insulated. Senior advisers like Anita Dunn, Bob Bauer, and campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon have faced criticism from the president’s family, resulting in an even tighter circle around Biden. Key advisors Mike Donilon and Steve Ricchetti, along with Deputy White House Chief of Staff Annie Tomasini and Anthony Bernal, chief of staff to Jill Biden, form a protective bubble around the president. This isolation has raised concerns about whether Biden is receiving accurate data about his campaign’s challenges.
Debate Performance Fallout
Biden’s debate performance on June 27 was poorly received, even shocking his closest aides. Since then, only a few loyal aides and family members have remained steadfast in their support. This tight inner circle has alarmed many Democrats, who question whether Biden is getting realistic feedback about his candidacy.
White House and Campaign Reactions
Senior White House advisers have denied any discussions about Biden dropping out of the race. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates defended the president’s advisory team, stating, “He has not made changes to the group of advisers he consults.” Campaign spokesman Kevin Munoz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the campaign’s commitment to Biden’s candidacy.
Internal Tensions
Tensions have arisen within the White House and campaign regarding Biden’s handling of negative polling data. Some aides report that meetings and phone calls have ceased, reflecting a reluctance to confront bad news. A notable incident involved former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who disagreed with Biden over polling data and requested a detailed review.
Public Sentiment and Resignation Calls
Public sentiment has also shifted, with some Democratic lawmakers beginning to voice concerns. So far, 20 House Democrats have called on Biden to drop out. Despite these calls, White House staff continue their duties, though morale has been affected by the ongoing crisis. Some former officials report an increase in resumes from current staff seeking exits in the private sector.
Biden’s Current State
As Biden recovers from COVID-19 at his beach house in Delaware, he is described as being in a “contemplative stage.” Sources close to him say he is deliberating his next steps but is unlikely to make any announcements before the weekend.
The Way Forward
Biden’s political future remains uncertain. If he decides to step aside, it will trigger a series of events requiring careful preparation. Senior administration officials are preparing for potential Republican calls for Biden to resign if he does not seek reelection.
Public Letters and Messages
The White House has received numerous letters and messages from Democratic voters urging Biden to reconsider his candidacy. Retirees Terri and John Hale from Iowa wrote, “It’s with utmost respect that we offer this conclusion – you cannot win this race. Not because you are not the better man, but because the public – rightly or wrongly – now sees your age and perceived limitations as the main issue in the campaign.”
Conclusion
President Biden’s isolation within his campaign and the White House, combined with mounting internal and external pressures, has led to growing calls for him to reconsider his bid for a second term. As Biden contemplates his future, the Democratic Party braces for the potential consequences of his decision.
References
- “Biden Faces Growing Calls to Abandon Re-election Bid as Concerns Mount.” CNN.
- “Inside the Biden Campaign: Rising Tensions and Uncertainty.” The New York Times.
- “Democratic Lawmakers Begin to Publicly Voice Concerns About Biden’s Candidacy.” The Washington Post.
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