Hello everyone! Let’s jump right into the latest political drama unfolding within the Democratic Party. Top national Democrats are openly expressing their concerns about President Biden’s candidacy after his shaky performance in a recent debate against former President Trump.
Just hours after former Speaker Nancy Pelosi admitted on MSNBC that discussions about Biden’s mental health are “legitimate,” more high-profile figures on the left voiced their doubts about the president’s fitness for office. Former Obama administration Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro stated, “[I] believe that another Democrat would have a better shot at beating Trump. … I think Democrats would do well to find another candidate.”
“I think it’s a legitimate question to say, ‘Is this an episode or is this a condition?’…of both candidates.”
WATCH: Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi reacts to Democrats concerns about President Biden. pic.twitter.com/KRm2fdfXH0
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) July 2, 2024
Though she tried to continue to ignore Biden’s mistakes by attacking Trump and “Trumpians”, people are getting tired of hearing the rhetoric.
“No, I haven’t spoke to him since the debate.”
WATCH: Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi defends Biden’s record and explains what’s at stake in the upcoming election. pic.twitter.com/vUSy4WpNJv
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) July 2, 2024
In a bold move, Adam Frisch, who is campaigning to flip Rep. Lauren Boebert’s Colorado district from red to blue, issued a statement calling on Biden to step aside. Frisch said, “It has been clear to me for some time, and the debate only reinforced it, neither candidate should be running for president. We deserve better. President Biden should do what’s best for the country and withdraw from the race.”
Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, became the first sitting House Democrat to outright call for Biden to end his campaign. Doggett expressed his respect for Biden’s achievements but urged him to withdraw, saying, “Recognizing that, unlike Trump, President Biden’s first commitment has always been to our country, not himself, I am hopeful that he will make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw. I respectfully call on him to do so.”
Sen. Pete Welch, a staunch Biden ally, candidly admitted on MSNBC that the door should be left open to other Democrat candidates. Referring to the debate, Welch said, “What we saw can’t be unseen. That was an unsteady performance, and it raises questions about his physical condition.” He emphasized that beating Trump was “more important than anything” and mentioned that Biden’s campaign is reviewing “how to proceed.”
Another top Biden ally, Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., did not directly call for Biden to step aside but stated on MSNBC that he would support Vice President Harris for president if Biden decided to withdraw.
The flood of doubts followed Pelosi’s comments on “MSNBC Reports,” where she said, “I think it’s a legitimate question to say, ‘Is this an episode or is this a condition?’ When people ask that question, it’s completely legitimate of both candidates.” While she praised Biden’s record over the past four years, her remarks highlight the growing public concern about the 81-year-old president’s fitness for office.
Pelosi sounding much LESS confident in Biden then she did just days ago post-debate does not bode well for damage control https://t.co/GySc1XevT9
— Benjy Sarlin (@BenjySarlin) July 2, 2024
Despite the mounting concerns, Biden has not indicated any intention to step aside. His campaign tried to counter the doubts by announcing a $264 million fundraising haul for the second quarter of 2024, with $127 million raised in June alone.
However, questions continue to rise following Biden’s debate performance, where he spoke with a hoarse voice, reportedly due to a cold, and stumbled over his answers several times.
