BTN News: Joe Biden believes he is the best Democrat to beat Donald Trump. He won in 2020 and did well in the 2022 midterms. Biden wanted to be a bridge to the next generation of leaders. But Trump still controls the Republican Party. New polls show Biden may not win against Trump again. This has led to calls for Biden to step down. Kamala Harris is now seen as a strong alternative.
Media and Political Pressure on Biden to Step Aside Grows Stronger
Pressure on Biden not to run again is growing. On Wednesday, the Boston Globe said Biden should step aside. A second congressman also said Biden should retire. Some donors want a new candidate too. Biden denies he is thinking about quitting. But if he thinks he can’t win, he might step down.
Democratic Governors Support Biden Despite Rising Concerns
Despite the pressure, Democratic governors are backing Biden. They met at the White House with Kamala Harris. Maryland Governor Wes Moore said, “The president is our candidate. The president is the leader of our party.” But the governors also want to make sure Trump does not win in November.
Polls Show Trump is Leading Biden by a Larger Margin
Recent polls show Trump is ahead of Biden. A New York Times poll shows Trump leading by 6 points among likely voters. Trump has 49% support, and Biden has 43%. Among registered voters, Trump leads 49% to 41%. The Wall Street Journal poll also shows Trump ahead by 6 points, with 48% for Trump and 42% for Biden. These are the biggest leads Trump has had in these polls.
Atlanta Debate and Its Aftermath Hurt Biden’s Poll Numbers
The debate in Atlanta seems to have hurt Biden. People are questioning if Biden is fit for office. Poll averages show Trump pulling ahead. FiveThirtyEight shows Trump leading by 2.3 points, the biggest margin since March. RealClearPolitics shows Trump leading by 2.9 points, the biggest margin since January. Predictive sites like Metaculus say Trump has a 64% chance of winning, compared to 24% for Biden.
Biden Stays Determined and Plans More Media Appearances
Biden is determined to prove he can still lead. He blamed his poor debate performance on fatigue, a cold, and jet lag. He plans more interviews and a press conference soon. In a call with his staff, Biden said, “I’m running. I’m the leader of the Democratic Party. No one is pushing me out.” The New York Times corrected its report, saying Biden was not thinking about quitting but facing critical days ahead.
Kamala Harris is Seen as a Likely Successor if Biden Steps Down
Kamala Harris may take over if Biden steps down. She is the first female vice president and has a diverse background. Key Democrats like Jim Clyburn and Hakeem Jeffries support her. Tim Ryan backed her in Newsweek. Harris has stayed close to Biden, joining campaign calls and meetings with governors.
Trump Campaign Focuses Attacks on Kamala Harris as Possible Opponent
Trump’s campaign is attacking Harris. They have ads telling people to “Stop Kamala.” They also released a statement attacking Biden and Harris, saying they failed and lied about Biden’s health.
Conclusion
Biden faces many challenges as the election approaches. With Trump gaining in polls and pressure from his party, Biden’s future is uncertain. He needs to change the story and show he can win. Harris is ready to step in, offering continuity and fresh leadership for the Democrats.