Biden's candidacy puts Democrats to the test
After TV debacle of US-President Biden, Democrats discuss his suitability for a second term. Following a meeting of the party, pressure on Biden will not diminish. Some representatives are displeased. The party is struggling with its candidate.
After a meeting of democratic representatives in the US Congress on the political future of US-President Joe Biden, several parliamentarians expressed disappointment. Representative Sean Casten spoke of a "great sadness" about the party's dilemma of whether to continue supporting the 81-year-old in the campaign. The question of whether the Democrats are reading from the same page was denied by Representative Steve Cohen from the state of Tennessee. "We're not even reading from the same book," he reportedly told the media.
Although no further congress members openly opposed Biden after the important meeting, enthusiasm remained in check. Left Democrat Ro Khanna from the state of California lamented that Biden did not listen enough to the young in the party and that he relied too much on his family and advisors regarding whether he should stay in the race. Khanna emphasized, however, that the Democrats must unite behind a candidate, "regardless of who that is."
Biden confidant Jim Clyburn spoke of a "very positive" atmosphere at the meeting. Some representatives did not want to comment on the topic to reporters. Biden had called on his colleagues the day before with unusually clear words to end the debate about his suitability and fitness. This week, parliamentarians have returned to the Congress after a recess. The coming days could be decisive.
The question in the air is whether leading Democrats will follow the public call of a few parliamentarians for Biden to step down. Doubts about Biden's suitability have grown since his TV debate against the Republican challenger Donald Trump. In the US, it is being discussed whether Biden, due to his advanced age, is really the right Democratic presidential candidate for the election in November. Biden dismisses all doubts.
In light of the meeting among Democratic representatives, there's speculation about Biden's potential run in the US presidential election 2024. Representative Barbara Lee expressed her concern, stating, "We cannot afford to have another divisive candidate who may not represent the best interests of the majority of Americans."
Despite growing doubts among some Democrats, such as Representative Pramila Jayapal, who voiced concerns about Biden's ability to garner support from young voters, others, like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have pledged their support for a second Biden term, emphasizing his experience and leadership skills necessary for the US presidential election 2024.
