Prominent Democratic lawmakers, strategists, and donors are intensifying their calls for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race against former President Donald Trump. Among the notable voices urging Biden to step aside are high-profile donors such as Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, Galaxy Digital CEO Michael Novogratz, and Disney heiress Abigail Disney. Their concerns reflect broader apprehensions within the Democratic Party about Biden’s viability as the nominee.
Abigail Disney has taken a particularly strong stance, announcing an embargo on future donations to the Democratic Party until President Biden agrees to withdraw from the race. She joins a growing number of Democratic lawmakers and strategists who are publicly voicing their desire for Biden to step aside. Currently, five House Democrats have openly called for Biden to exit the race, citing concerns over his electability and ability to effectively campaign against Trump.
The pressure on Biden has been mounting since his recent debate performance against Trump, which drew criticism and raised questions about his mental fitness. Despite this, President Biden remains resolute in his decision to stay in the race. In a letter to House Democrats, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to the campaign, emphasizing that millions of voters have already cast their ballots in Democratic primaries in support of his candidacy.
“Millions of voters have chosen me as their nominee, and I am committed to honoring their decision,” Biden stated in the letter. He also expressed his belief that he is the best candidate to defeat Trump in the November election.
In an interview with MSNBC, Biden reiterated his stance, stating, “I’m not going anywhere.” He defended his debate performance, attributing any perceived shortcomings to a temporary illness. Biden emphasized that “average Democrats” support his campaign and that he will not be swayed by calls from elite figures within the party to drop out.
Biden’s firm position sets the stage for a potentially contentious Democratic convention, where intra-party tensions may come to the forefront. Some party members have suggested that those doubting Biden’s fitness should challenge him at the convention in August.
As the debate over Biden’s candidacy continues, the Democratic Party faces a critical juncture, balancing loyalty to the sitting president with strategic considerations for the upcoming election.
