President Joe Biden issued a warning Monday to his Democratic detractors in Congress as he faces calls from some members of his party to withdraw from the presidential election.
In a letter to House Democrats, Biden said he is staying in the race despite calls by several Democratic lawmakers urging him to step down following his performance in the recent debate against Donald Trump, which intensified concerns about his age and fitness for a second term.
Biden warned that the calls for him to exit the race could aid Trump's campaign.
"Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us. It is time to come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump," Biden wrote in the letter, which was posted to X (formerly Twitter).
The Context
A growing number of House Democrats have publicly called on Biden, 81, to leave the race after the debate, in which he stumbled through some answers, appeared to lose his train of thought and sounded hoarse. Polls show Biden's age is a significant concern for many voters, and he continues to trail Trump in key swing states.
Biden's campaign has said he had a cold the night of the debate and has sought to dispel any notion that he is not fit to run or serve a second term. Some cognitive experts have said his performance may not necessarily be indicative of decline.
What We Know
So far, five House Democrats have publicly called on Biden to stand down. They are Representative Lloyd Doggett of Texas, Representative Raúl Grijalva of Arizona, Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, Representative Mike Quigley of Illinois and Representative Angie Craig of Minnesota.
In his letter to House Democrats, Biden said he believes that he remains the "best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024."
"I have no doubt that I — and we — can and will beat Donald Trump. We have an historic record of success to run on," he wrote, touting his administration's accomplishments, including creating more than 15 million jobs and "protecting and expanding affordable healthcare."
Biden also noted that he received 87 percent of the votes cast in the Democratic primary race. He beat back challenges from author Marianne Williamson, Representative Dean Phillips and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is now running as an independent.
"Do we just say this process didn't matter? That the voters don't have a say? I decline to do that. I feel a deep obligation to the faith and the trust the voters of the Democratic Party have placed in me to run this year," Biden wrote. "It was their decision to make. Not the press, not the pundits, not the big donors, not any selected group of individuals, no matter how well intentioned."
Views
Alyssa Farah Griffin, who served as a former Trump aide but has turned against the former president, posted on X, "If this letter was meant to quell democratic unrest on Capitol Hill, it will do the exact opposite. The defiant tone - and "I alone can fix it" attitude will be offensive to many D's, who know both the House & Senate are in jeopardy because of Biden."
Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee, wrote, "We have our marching orders from the President, the Commander in Chief, the Head of the Table, the nominee of our party... let's go! Let's win this thing! #Biden2024."
"Democrats would never 25th this stubborn old man, but wish they would," wrote Emma Vigeland, co-host of radio's The Majority Report.
Political analyst Larry Sabato posted: "Like it or not, that's the end of that. Biden-Harris it is for Dems. Legally, Biden has the high ground--he has to agree to step aside and he is clearly not going to do so. Today's question: Will Dem officeholders, donors, rank-and-file reunify quickly, or will they do what they did, more or less, in 1968, 1980, 2000, and 2016 (among other years)? (Hint: Dems lost in all 4 of those years)."
What's Next
It is not certain how congressional Democrats will react to the letter and if it will end the increasing public calls by Democratic lawmakers and donors for Biden's withdrawal.
The Democratic National Convention will start on August 19, preceded by the GOP convention, which begins July 15.
Updates 7/8/24, 10:20 and 11:05 a.m. ET: This story was updated with additional background and information.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Andrew Stanton is a Newsweek weekend reporter based in Maine. His role is reporting on U.S. politics and social issues. ... Read more
