In a significant development, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reportedly told President Joe Biden that he should withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. According to an ABC News report, Schumer's candid conversation with Biden took place during a visit to Delaware, where he emphasized the growing concern among key Democrats about Biden's chances of securing re-election against former President Donald Trump.
Schumer's sentiment echoes similar concerns from other prominent Democrats. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have also conveyed their doubts about Biden's viability as the Democratic nominee. Pelosi, in a private phone call, pointed to polling data suggesting Biden's potential inability to defeat Trump, which could jeopardize the Democrats' control of the House.
EP60: Dems Pressure Joe Biden to Step Down as Trump Prepares to Accept Nomination at RNC Convention WATCH HERE: https://t.co/1k6ZoytdG5 https://t.co/aeuLt4ctdL
— LoomerUnleashed (@LoomerUnleashed) July 18, 2024
The pressure on Biden has intensified following a New York Times report indicating that the president acknowledged to a key ally the possibility of stepping aside if his campaign faced further setbacks. Despite this, Biden has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the race, insisting to his campaign staff and supporters that he intends to stay the course and secure a second term.
This internal party tension has led to speculations about potential replacements for Biden on the Democratic ticket. High-profile governors such as Gavin Newsom of California, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, and J.B. Pritzker of Illinois have been mentioned as possible candidates. These governors, along with others, attended a crisis meeting at the White House to discuss the future of the party's strategy and express their support for Biden.
Yikes.
Biden's team is throwing Pelosi, Schumer and even Obama under the bus.
If Biden isn't leaving the race after these 3 have spoken t him, I have a hard time believing he's going to leave the race at all.
Source: NBC News pic.twitter.com/NJCqwMaKaJ
— American Hill (@TheAmericanHill) July 18, 2024
However, the growing calls for Biden to step aside are not limited to political figures. A recent poll conducted by the Associated Press and the University of Chicago found that about two-thirds of Democratic supporters believe Biden should withdraw from the race. This survey, which included over 1,200 voters, underscores the deepening concern within the party about Biden's chances in the upcoming election.
Adding to the urgency, the Leadership Now Project, a group of business leaders focused on countering threats to democracy, has also called for Biden to step down as the Democratic nominee. They argue that the stakes are too high to ignore the risks posed by Biden's continued candidacy.
Despite these mounting pressures, Biden's campaign has been working diligently to bolster support. The president plans to sit for an interview with ABC News and hold campaign events in Madison, Wisconsin, and Philadelphia. He is also engaging with Black radio stations in key swing states to shore up support among critical voter demographics .
As the Democratic Party grapples with this internal conflict, the future of its presidential campaign remains uncertain. With significant figures like Schumer and Pelosi urging a change in leadership, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Biden will heed these calls or continue his bid for a second term.
