In a decisive move, President Joe Biden has affirmed his commitment to remain in the 2024 presidential race.
Addressing Democrat lawmakers in a letter on Monday, Biden emphasized his belief that he is the most capable candidate to defeat former President Donald Trump.
Recently, nine Democrat lawmakers have reportedly urged Biden not to seek reelection, citing concerns raised in the media about his health following a debate. Biden, however, remains resolute.
“I am firmly committed to staying in this race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump,” Biden declared in his letter.
“I have heard the concerns that people have—their good faith fears and worries about what is at stake in this election. I am not blind to them.”
Biden continued, asserting his confidence in his candidacy: “I can respond to all this by saying clearly and unequivocally: I wouldn’t be running again if I did not absolutely believe I was the best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024.”
The president also addressed calls for his withdrawal: “I decline to do that,” he stated.
“I feel a deep obligation to the faith and the trust the voters of the Democratic Party have placed in me to run this year. It was their decision to make. Not the press, not the pundits, not the big donors, not any selected group of individuals, no matter how well intentioned.”
He further reinforced the democratic process within the party: “The voters – and the voters alone – decide the nominee of the Democratic Party. How can we stand for democracy in our nation if we ignore it in our own party? I cannot do that. I will not do that.”
The call for Biden to step aside has gained traction among several Democrat representatives. Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Mark Takano (D-CA), Don Beyer (D-VA), and Adam Smith (D-WA) have joined the chorus of voices urging Biden to reconsider his candidacy, according to media reports.
They join five other lawmakers who have previously expressed similar sentiments: Reps. Lloyd Doggett (TX), Seth Moulton (MA), Raúl Grijalva (AZ), Angie Craig (MN), and Mike Quigley (IL).
Despite this opposition, key figures within the Democratic Party leadership continue to support Biden.
House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) still appear to back the president’s reelection bid.
Political analysts suggest that the Democrats face significant challenges if they were to replace Biden at this stage.
These include the logistical hurdles of placing a new candidate on ballots across 50 states, reallocating campaign funds, and the risk of positioning a new candidate who might not be as competitive against Trump.
As the debate continues within the party, Biden’s unwavering stance underscores his determination to lead the Democratic charge in the 2024 presidential election.
Stay tuned to the Silent Majority Report.
