United States of America - The Unbeirrte: Biden campaigns in Michigan
Joe Biden, the unwavering US President, campaigned for voter support in the state of Michigan, stating, "My campaign is falling apart." At an appearance in Detroit, the 81-year-old Democrat showed no self-doubt regarding his Republican challenger, Donald Trump. He made it clear that he intended and would once again defeat Trump. Biden read from teleprompters for most of his speech, improvising little. He seemed to lose focus at one point but quickly regained it with an anecdote.
Withdrawal demands falter
On the same day, actress Ashley Judd joined the call of her Hollywood colleague George Clooney for Biden to withdraw from the presidential race in an opinion piece for "USA Today." Judd asked Biden to make way for a "talented and strong candidate." This was not an easy decision for her as a devoted Democrat.
However, Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries shared that he had personally met with the US President that evening (local time) and conveyed the concerns of his party colleagues.
The "Washington Post" published an opinion piece titled, "Biden remains oblivious. He must acknowledge reality." The authors agree with the warnings from Biden's supporters about the danger of another Trump presidency. They write, "The best way to keep Mr. Trump out of the Oval Office is a strong alternative."
Before that, the "New York Times" reported, citing unnamed sources, that some Democratic Party donors were withholding campaign support to the tune of approximately 90 million US dollars as long as Biden remained in the race. Previous reports mentioned that a wealthy Disney heiress was withholding her financial support for the party until Biden stepped down.
Jubilation for Biden, boos for the press
In Detroit, there seemed to be no sign of all this. Biden's audience was enthusiastic, cheering loudly with cries of "We're behind you," "Don't give up," and "We love you."
When Biden addressed the negative headlines of the past few days, there were boos, but he silenced them and defended "the good men and women in the press." He criticized Trump for being an adversary of unions and the working class. The main message: Biden cares about people's problems, while Trump only circles his golf course.
During his visit to Michigan, Biden made an unscheduled stop at a restaurant - surprise campaign stops are not uncommon in US elections, but they are closely followed in the current chaotic situation.
Mixed feelings in Congress
Congress members have been keeping a close eye on the US President: Since his disastrous TV debate performance against Trump, over 20 Democratic parliamentarians have publicly opposed Biden.
Minority Leader Jeffries wrote in a letter to the democratic representatives of his parliamentary chamber after his meeting with Biden, that he had expressed to him "the entire range of insights, sincere perspectives, and conclusions" of his faction. It was striking that he did not mention expressing his support for Biden's presidential candidacy during this.
Many democratic congressmembers are concerned that a lack of support for Biden could cost them their re-election. In November, all seats in the House of Representatives and a third of the seats in the Senate will be voted on. Among the Democrats, there is a fear that the Republicans could control both chambers of Congress and the White House after the election.
Biden is expected to be officially nominated as the Democratic candidate at the Democratic Party convention in August. He has already won the necessary delegate votes for this in the primaries. Therefore, only he can decide to withdraw from the race. Whether in the end it will be the doubters or the optimists who listen to him remains to be seen.
- Despite calls for withdrawal from some notable figures like Ashley Judd and George Clooney in "USA Today", Joe Biden continues his campaign for the US Election 2024.
- Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic House Minority Leader, met with Biden to discuss concerns from party colleagues about his Presidential campaign.
- The "Washington Post" published an opinion piece expressing concern over Biden's obliviousness and the potential danger of a second Trump presidency.
- Some Democratic Party donors, including a wealthy Disney heiress, are withholding campaign support worth approximately 90 million US dollars, citing Biden's presence in the race.
- At a campaign rally in Detroit, Biden faced boos from the crowd when addressing negative headlines, but he defended the press and reiterated his commitment to the working class.
- During his visit to Michigan, Biden made an unscheduled stop at a local restaurant, a common tactic in US elections, to connect with voters.
- The NATO Summit is approaching, and the possibility of a Trump or Biden Presidency could significantly impact international relations, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with Russia.
- In the midst of these political turmoils, Hollywood celebrities like Hakeem Jeffries and Ashley Judd continue to play influential roles in shaping public opinion during US elections.
- As the August Democratic Party convention approaches, Biden is already seen as the de facto nominee, given his delegate count, but whether he will listen to his doubters or optimists remains unclear.
