According to four Democratic sources familiar with the matter reported by CBS News, dozens of Democratic lawmakers are expected to issue statements over the next 48 hours calling for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race. The sources revealed that there are coordinated plans in place, with some statements already drafted. It is unclear if anything Biden said at his press conference Thursday night could alter the anticipated course of events.
During the press conference at the NATO summit in Washington, President Biden emphasized the "importance of alleviating concerns" regarding his candidacy, amid ongoing debate about his health. Multiple sources told CBS News that Democratic leadership in the House has informed members that they should express their opinions. One of these informed sources speculated that the next three or four days would be "harsh," and it might become impossible for the president to continue in the race by some point next week.
It is not expected that congressional leaders will speak publicly about the issue or attempt to forcibly replace Biden, in an effort to avoid an open confrontation with the president and out of respect for him. However, there is also recognition, as two sources noted, that public calls from leadership for him to withdraw would lead to stubborn opposition from the president himself.
It is unclear how many Democratic defections would change the president's mind. So far, more than ten House Democrats and one Senate Democrat have publicly called on Biden to end his re-election bid. One of the sources indicated that one of the few things that could penetrate Biden's team and convince him to reconsider his candidacy is the argument that "his legacy could be tainted by hindering the Democratic Party and its electoral prospects."
Two of the sources predicted that if Biden were to step aside, Vice President Kamala Harris would ultimately move to the top of the ticket and receive support from the party's $240 million fund. The rules of the Democratic National Committee would make this scenario an easier transition. However, the Democratic Party would also need to rally more support among its members, leaving an open question about which candidate would stand against former President Donald Trump at that stage.
