No matter how well President Joe Biden handles a major press conference, he should be prepared for a wave of elected Democrats calling for him to step aside, according to a report.
On Thursday, Axios reported over half a dozen Democratic lawmakers told the outlet, “House Democrats are poised to issue a flood of new statements urging Joe Biden to exit the 2024 race regardless of what happens at the president’s NATO press conference.”
“While some House Democrats view the press conference as a key hurdle for Biden to clear, ‘many have’ already decided to urge Biden to withdraw, one lawmaker said,” the report added.
Sources also said more lawmakers are “getting closer” to calling for the president to step aside.
“This whole discussion isn’t over — just because of the way the election is turning away from us,” one House Democrat told Axios.
They added, “Maybe the press conference will have an effect, but I’m not sure that changes the dynamics of the race.”
Another Democrat said, “I’m skeptical there’s going to be any interview, press conference, or debate that’s going to put to rest the persistent concerns about the president.”
Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) told Axios he also does not think the press conference could end concerns about the president. However, he added, “[Biden] could certainly accelerate the crash … There’s just no longer any margin for error at this point.”
A senior House Democrat also said if Biden gives a” “really solid press conference, that will dampen down concerns.” Yet, they cautioned if the performance “suggests he’s really slowed down, it’s going to be a deluge.”
Some lawmakers are reportedly waiting till the end of the NATO summit to release their statements, citing former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) suggestion that they”hold off” till then.
“Others were simply waiting until Congress went into recess, which also happened Thursday, and could release their statements before the press conference, according to a third House Democrat who spoke to Axios on the condition of anonymity,” Axios added.
As of Thursday afternoon, 11 House Democrats and Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) have called for Biden to step aside.
However, the president said in a letter on Monday that he is “firmly committed” to running.
“The question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now. And it’s time for it to end. We have one job. And that is to beat Donald Trump,” he added. “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.”
