Biden Denies Dropping Out of 2024 Race Despite ScrutinyBiden Denies Dropping Out of 2024 Race Despite Scrutiny Amid mounting pressure, President Joe Biden has unequivocally declared that he has no intention of withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race. This declaration directly contradicts recent speculation and a New York Times article suggesting otherwise. “Absolutely not,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre asserted during a press conference. “I believe you heard it directly from the campaign.” The New York Times article claimed that Biden had privately considered stepping aside, but Jean-Pierre and other White House officials have vehemently dismissed these claims. Jean-Pierre attributed Biden’s underwhelming debate performance to a combination of a cold and jet lag after returning from Europe. Despite the critical assessment of his debate performance, Biden has taken proactive steps to address concerns. He made a surprise appearance on a Democratic National Committee call with Vice President Kamala Harris, where he reassured allies and aimed to quell the uncertainty within the party. “I’m in. I’m the leader of the Democratic Party. Nobody’s going to push me out,” Biden firmly stated on the call. Harris echoed Biden’s sentiments, emphasizing their determination to remain in the race. “We will not back down,” she declared. “We will fight and we will win.” In an effort to maintain stability within the administration, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients urged employees to ignore the “noise” and focus on governing. While Biden’s public stance remains strong, internal Democratic Party discussions have revealed fractures in his support. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) has publicly urged Biden to withdraw, and Representative Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), a key ally, has expressed a willingness to support Harris if Biden steps down. Biden’s inner circle understands the gravity of the situation. He has reached out to key Democratic lawmakers to shore up support. Despite these concerns, Jean-Pierre emphasized Biden’s resilient nature and his ability to overcome previous challenges. She highlighted his recent speech in North Carolina as an example of him directly addressing the issues surrounding his performance and age. A recent poll from The New York Times and Siena College indicated that former President Donald Trump has gained a six percentage point lead over Biden among likely voters, intensifying the urgency for the Biden campaign to regain momentum. The Biden-Harris administration remains focused on its track record and Biden’s commitment to public service as the foundation of its campaign narrative. Biden remains determined to face the challenges ahead.
The chaos surrounding the US withdrawal from Afghanistan sent Biden’s approval rating plummeting to its lowest level in recent polls.
(Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters/File image)
President Joe Biden has remained unwavering in his commitment to the 2024 presidential race, despite mounting pressure from within his party and recent speculation about his possible withdrawal. In a landmark statement on Wednesday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden is “absolutely not” considering dropping out of the race, rebutting a New York Times report suggesting otherwise.
“Absolutely not,” Jean-Pierre claimed at a press conference. “I believe you heard it directly from the campaign.”
The New York Times article indicated that Biden had privately discussed leaving the race with confidants, but Jean-Pierre and other White House officials have vehemently denied the claims. The press secretary attributed Biden’s lackluster debate performance to a combination of a cold and jet lag after returning from the G-7 summit in Europe.
“It wasn’t his best night. He understands that it’s right for people to ask that question, but we can’t forget his record and what he’s been able to do,” Jean-Pierre said. “He has the most historic record, the most in modern politics, and that should matter.”
Biden himself took an active role in addressing concerns, making a surprise appearance on a Democratic National Committee call with Vice President Kamala Harris. The pair sought to reassure allies and quell the chaos that had ensued within the party after the debate.
“I’m in. I’m the leader of the Democratic Party. Nobody’s going to push me out,” Biden said on the call, reaffirming his determination to stay in the race. His powerful statement was intended to dispel doubts about his candidacy and motivate campaign workers and supporters.
Harris, who has seen her profile rise amid discussions about her potential to lead the race if Biden steps aside, offered her sentiments. “We will not back down,” she said. “We will follow the example of our president. We will fight and we will win.”
In an effort to maintain morale and focus within the administration, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients held an all-staff meeting, urging employees to tune out the “noise” and focus on governing. “There have been countless times when the president has been written off, but he has always held on,” Zients said.
Despite the strong public front, internal Democratic Party debates have exposed cracks in Biden’s support. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) has openly called for Biden to withdraw from the race, and Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), a key ally, has expressed a willingness to support Harris if Biden leaves office.
Biden’s inner circle is well aware of the high stakes in the days ahead. The president has reached out to key Democratic lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Sen. Chris Coons and Rep. James Clyburn, to shore up support and strategize for the campaign ahead.
Nevertheless, many Democrats expressed frustration with Biden’s perceived lack of visibility and assertiveness following the debate. Jean-Pierre countered these concerns, highlighting Biden’s speech in North Carolina on Friday as an example in which he directly addressed issues surrounding his performance and age.
“He tackled it. He looked it straight in the eye,” said Jean-Pierre, who defended the government’s response.
As the political landscape continues to shift, a recent poll from The New York Times and Siena College revealed that former President Donald Trump now holds a six percentage point lead over Biden among likely voters nationally, reflecting a three-point shift since before the debate. The development has further intensified the urgency for Biden’s campaign to shore up its position and regain momentum.
The Biden-Harris administration remains resolute, focusing on its track record and the president’s longstanding commitment to public service as the foundation of its campaign narrative. As Biden said in his call with the DNC, “There’s no one I’d rather be in this fight with than all of you. So let’s join forces. Let’s get this done. You, me, the vice president. Together.”
