President Joe Biden made several campaign stops in Pennsylvania, urging unity among supporters despite growing calls from within his party to step aside. His visit comes after a shaky debate performance against former President Donald Trump.
Short Summary:
- Biden rallies support in crucial Pennsylvania amidst Democratic doubts.
- Biden promises to stay in the race despite calls for him to step down.
- Divided opinions within the Democratic Party on Biden’s future candidacy.
HARRISBURG, Pa., July 30, 2023 — President Joe Biden urged unity among his supporters during a series of stops in the pivotal swing state of Pennsylvania on Sunday, even as prominent congressional Democrats suggested it might be time for him to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.
Addressing a lively congregation at the predominantly Black Mount Airy Church of God in Christ in Philadelphia, Biden, aged 81, tried to lighten the atmosphere by joking, “I know I look 40” but “I’ve been doing this a long time.”
“I, honest to God, have never been more optimistic about America’s future if we stick together,” Biden remarked.
Biden’s words were met with applause, and he received strong endorsements from key political figures at the rally. Pennsylvania has become a crucial battleground, and his visit seemed to aim more at showcasing unwavering political support rather than proving he can handle another four years in office.
Later, Biden attended an ice cream social in Harrisburg with union members and local Democrats, making his case to stay in the race. The event underscored the sharp divide within the Democratic Party regarding his candidacy.
Rising Pressure to Step Down
The president faces increasing pressure to step down due to concerns over his ability to defeat Trump. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries met with top committee lawmakers on Sunday to discuss Biden’s campaign, further emphasizing the divide within the party.
Several Democratic leaders, including Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, and Rep. Mark Takano of California, privately voiced their preference for Biden to step aside. However, influential factions within the party, such as the Congressional Black Caucus, firmly back his candidacy.
“I absolutely believe we can turn it around,” said Sen. Alex Padilla of California, urging the Biden campaign to “let Joe be Joe, get him out there.”
Despite the internal strife, the president remained resolute during his Pennsylvania visit, stating firmly, “Only the ‘Lord Almighty’ could make him drop out.”
Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota echoed the sentiments of five other Democratic lawmakers calling for Biden to end his re-election bid. “Given what I saw and heard from the President during last week’s debate in Atlanta… I do not believe that the President can effectively campaign and win against Donald Trump,” Craig posted on X.
Biden’s Tenacity and Pushback from Critics
During his visit to Pennsylvania, Biden’s resolve to stay in the race was clear. He made personal calls to Democratic lawmakers throughout the weekend, assuring them of his commitment to the campaign. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania offered a robust endorsement, declaring, “There is only one guy that has ever beaten Trump. And he is going to do it twice and put him down for good.”
The pressure from prominent Democrats like Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, who discussed gathering senators to consider Biden’s campaign future, signifies growing concern. However, a public revelation of this meeting led to its cancellation.
Other voices, like Tampa city councilman Alan Clendenin and Hollywood director Rob Reiner, added their calls for Biden to step aside, suggesting Vice President Kamala Harris as a more viable candidate.
Democratic fundraising bundler Barry Goodman from Michigan expressed support for Harris should Biden step down. “We don’t have much time,” Goodman said. “I don’t think the president gets out. But if he does, I think it would be Kamala.”
A Day of Support and Spiritual Encouragement
After his speech in Philadelphia, Biden visited a campaign office, canvassing alongside supporters. At Harrisburg’s event, Isabel Afonso, a concerned supporter, stated, “I know he is old, but I know if something happens to him, a reasonable person will replace him.”
Pastor Louis Felton likened Biden to Joseph in the story of his “coat of many colors.” “Never count Joseph out,” Felton implored. “That’s what’s going on, Mr. President. People are jealous of you.”
The sentiment resonated with attendees. James Johnson, 73, emphasized, “Replacing the president at the top of the Democratic ticket would only cause confusion.”
Biden’s Determined Stance and Ongoing Criticism
Biden’s decision to avoid crossing a picket line of National Education Association workers showed solidarity with union workers, who play a crucial role in his campaign. His unscheduled stop at the Roxborough Democratic Coordinated Campaign office highlighted his grassroots efforts to galvanize support.
The president’s insistence on continuing his campaign was underscored by his remarks to a supportive crowd in Madison, Wisconsin, “I’m not going to let one 90-minute debate wipe out three and a half years of work.”
However, criticisms remain rampant. Democratic strategist David Axelrod argued Biden is “dangerously out of touch” with his standing in the race, while Adam Schiff, Democratic Senate candidate in California, voiced concerns about Biden’s vigor: “It should not be even close. And there’s only one reason it is close, and that’s the president’s age.”
Despite calls for new cognitive testing, Biden maintained that handling presidential duties is proof enough of his mental acuity.
The Larger Political Landscape
With the Democratic National Convention approaching, Biden’s challenges lie not just within debates and campaigns but also in addressing internal party rifts. The Democratic Party must decide between loyalty to Biden and the desire for a candidate who might be seen as more electable against Trump.
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Most Pennsylvania Democrats continue to support Biden. Governor Josh Shapiro and Sen. John Fetterman have voiced their confidence in Biden, with Fetterman firmly stating, “There is only one guy that has ever beaten Trump and he is going to do it twice and put him down for good.”
While concerns about Biden’s debate performance and age persist, supporters argue that his policies and accomplishments speak volumes. His tenure has seen jobs created, strengthened NATO alliances, and progressive climate policies—a record his team believes should not be overshadowed by a singular debate performance.
The Road Ahead
The Biden campaign is gearing up for a robust voter outreach strategy across battleground states. This month-long effort includes a $50 million media campaign and plans to knock on more than three million doors in July and August.
As Biden continues to campaign amid swirling dissent and skepticism from certain Democratic quarters, Pennsylvania remains a crucial state. Trump plans a rally in Butler County, adding further intensity to the race.
Biden’s visit underscored his leadership style, empathizing with working-class Americans and promising continued support for unions and tax reforms aimed at economic equity. His commitment to his campaign was pronounced as he mingled with crowds and reaffirmed his candidacy against all odds.
Facing a divided party and a tenacious opponent in Trump, Biden’s journey towards November’s election will undoubtedly be bumpy. Still, his recent visit to Pennsylvania signaled his readiness to confront these challenges head-on, offering a testament to his resilience.
