In the wake of a disastrous debate performance, President Joe Biden is under increasing pressure from within his party to reconsider his candidacy for the 2024 election. High-profile Democrats, including former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have engaged in private discussions expressing concerns about Biden’s ability to defeat President Donald Trump. Their worries intensified after Biden struggled to articulate his responses during the debate, raising questions about his cognitive health.
Pelosi has communicated with Biden, indicating that his decision to stay in the race is not final. Many Democrats hope she can persuade him to step aside, believing her influence could unify the party and refocus efforts on defeating Trump. Pelosi’s recent actions, including not fully endorsing Biden’s decision, suggest she is open to exploring alternatives for the party’s 2024 candidate.
Obama, meanwhile, is cautious about his involvement. His relationship with Biden is complicated by past decisions, such as advising him against running in the 2016 primaries.
Obama fears that any attempt to push Biden out could be politically exploited by Trump. Despite this, Obama’s skepticism about Biden’s chances is well-known, though he maintains a hands-off approach to avoid being seen as undermining his former vice president.
The internal discussions among top Democrats highlight the party’s anxiety over Biden’s electability. The debate performance has forced a reevaluation of his campaign’s viability, with many party members advocating for a strong candidate who can ensure victory in November. As the party grapples with these concerns, the resolution of these high-stakes talks will be crucial in shaping the Democratic strategy for the 2024 election.
