US President Joe Biden is determined to “get back on the campaign trail next week,” reinforcing his intention to remain in the race despite increasing calls from Democrats on Friday for him to step aside as the party nominee.
“The stakes are high, and the choice is clear. Together, we will win,” he stated, addressing reports about discussions within his inner circle regarding his political future.
Biden has faced mounting pressure over the past few weeks: party leaders urging him to withdraw, a decline in major donor support, and concerns that his decision could jeopardize Democratic control of Congress. On Friday alone, over a dozen Democratic lawmakers called for his withdrawal. Vice-President Kamala Harris, considered a top replacement candidate, reassured anxious donors during a call that afternoon.
“We know which candidate in this election puts the American people first: Our president, Joe Biden,” Harris affirmed, expressing confidence in their victory.
Earlier, Biden’s campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon, on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, confirmed the president’s commitment to the race, describing him as “more committed than ever to beat Donald Trump” and “the best person” to challenge the former president.
In his statement, Biden referenced Trump’s Republican National Convention speech, emphasizing his commitment to “exposing the threat” posed by Trump while highlighting his own record.
“Donald Trump’s dark vision for the future is not who we are as Americans. Together, as a party and as a country, we can and will defeat him at the ballot box,” he asserted.
As the debate continued, Biden remained under quarantine at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware home, having tested positive for Covid-19 with “mild symptoms,” according to the White House.
Despite his poor debate performance last month, Biden has consistently affirmed his candidacy. Initially telling ABC News that “only the Lord Almighty” could make him step down, he recently told BET that he would re-evaluate his campaign only if advised by a doctor due to a serious medical condition.
A campaign memo released on Friday reiterated Biden’s commitment: “Joe Biden has made it more than clear: He’s in this race and he’s in it to win it. Moreover, he’s the presumptive nominee — there is no plan for an alternative nominee. In a few short weeks, Joe Biden will be the official nominee. It is high past time we stop fighting one another. The only person who wins when we fight is Donald Trump.”
With the Democratic National Convention set for August 19 and the Democratic National Committee meeting virtually in early August to nominate Biden officially, time is running short for any change in his candidacy.
