More Democrats are calling for him to step down.
President Joe Biden engaged in damage control following a Friday-night interview on ABC News, aiming to reassure Democrats of his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Despite his efforts, concerns persisted among Hill Democrats about the impact of Biden’s recent debate performance on his candidacy.
Following the 22-minute interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos, numerous Democratic lawmakers expressed deep reservations about Biden’s political standing, using stark terms like “heartbroken,” “doomed,” and a “disaster.” Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota became the first frontline Democrat to publicly call for Biden to “step aside for the next generation of leadership.”
In addition, another Democratic lawmaker who had previously supported Biden indicated they would soon publicly address his political future, citing disappointment with Biden’s interview and feeling disconnected from reality.
A senior aide to a frontline Democrat revealed that discussions were underway about front-line Democrats collectively voicing their concerns to Biden through a public letter, although logistical considerations delayed immediate action due to Congress being out of session.
Some lawmakers expressed frustration over Biden’s refusal during the interview to commit to a cognitive test, viewing it as a significant issue. Opinions among House Democrats were hardening, with discussions increasingly centering on the possibility of seeking a different nominee for the presidential race.
Despite these challenges, the Biden campaign defended the interview as evidence of the president’s ability to handle tough questions and reiterated his perspective on the upcoming election. Meanwhile, several prominent Democrats who are potential future presidential candidates reaffirmed their support for Biden, including Governors Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, and Wes Moore, along with Rep. Nanette Barragán of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, who expressed confidence in Biden’s comprehension and responsiveness during tough interviews.
