Their faith in him has declined.
Democratic leaders are cautiously gauging the impact of recent polling to determine if Joe Biden’s presidency is becoming a liability for congressional races before deciding on a unified stance regarding his future in the presidential race, according to interviews with lawmakers, strategists, and donors.
Despite concerns over Biden’s performance, particularly highlighted by his weak showing in a recent debate with Donald Trump, his campaign team has managed to prevent widespread defections by assuring party officials that he still has a viable path to reelection.
However, many Democratic officeholders and donors remain unsettled by Biden’s debate performance and are awaiting clearer signals from voters before reaffirming their support. There is a widespread sentiment among Democrats that Biden needs to actively demonstrate both physical and mental fitness to continue effectively leading the country.
Currently, Biden’s campaign is adopting a wait-and-see approach, as insiders believe no Democratic leader will publicly call for his withdrawal without alarming new polling data that could potentially sway donors.
The issue of financial support is critical, as dwindling donations could force Biden’s hand to reconsider his candidacy. Donors, in particular, are expressing significant apprehension, with some withholding financial backing as a means to signal their dissatisfaction.
Several prominent Democrats have already broken ranks, suggesting Biden should step aside to make way for a younger, more inspiring candidate who could better challenge Trump in the upcoming election. Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas and Rep. Jared Golden of Maine are among those publicly voicing doubts about Biden’s ability to lead the party to victory.
Amid this uncertainty, Democrats are starting to contemplate the implications of a potential Biden withdrawal. This scenario could expose deep divisions within the party, with factions potentially rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris or another figure who could represent a fresh start for the Democrats.
Reflecting on the situation, influential Democratic leader Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina emphasized the importance of supporting Harris, whether as the vice president or potentially as a presidential candidate, should Biden decide to step aside.
The situation is unprecedented in recent political history, with no sitting president withdrawing from a race so close to the election. The stakes are high, and Biden’s team is grappling with how to navigate the fallout from his debate performance and reassure both supporters and skeptics alike.
Moving forward, Democrats are urging Biden to engage more directly with voters, potentially through town hall events and interviews, to dispel doubts about his ability to lead effectively. The coming weeks will be crucial as Biden seeks to restore confidence within his party and among voters who are pivotal to his electoral prospects.
