Democratic lawmakers in the United States gathered behind closed doors on Tuesday, amid increasing concerns about their party's chances in the upcoming elections set for November 5, following President Joe Biden's rejection of calls from some party officials to abandon his campaign and forgo running for a second term.
**Calls to Step Aside**
Six Democratic members of the House publicly urged Biden (81) to step aside and allow someone else to compete against the Republican nominee, Donald Trump. Others expressed concerns about Biden's electoral prospects, as his faltering performance in a debate with Trump raised questions about his ability to conduct a successful campaign and continue leading the strenuous presidential duties for an additional four and a half years. Congressman Mike Quigley, one of the six lawmakers who urged Biden to end his campaign, said on his way to a meeting of Democratic House members: "He should step aside, he can't win... and my colleagues need to realize that." However, many other lawmakers stated that they would not abandon their president.
**Deep Division**
Representative Sharice Davids told reporters: "(Biden) is our best hope to prevent Trump from returning to the White House." The deep division within the party has led Biden's election campaign to make hasty attempts to manage the increasing withdrawals from the party. Biden stated in a phone interview with MSNBC: "I'm not going anywhere," a message he reiterated to party funders during a private call later on Tuesday, according to two informed sources.
**Presidential Duties**
Biden also spoke with the Congressional Black Caucus, which may support his campaign due to the importance of Black voters to the party's base. On Monday, Steve Horsford, the chairman of the caucus, said he still supports Biden as a presidential candidate. Despite Biden receiving support from Democratic party leaders, they also expressed some concerns about his ability to effectively carry out presidential duties. Democratic Senator Patty Murray, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, stated on Monday: "We need to see a candidate who is more resolute and vigorous in the campaign very soon," adding that Biden "should seriously think about the best way to preserve his wonderful legacy."
**Summit to Show Leadership**
Biden is hosting a NATO leaders' meeting in Washington on Tuesday to showcase his global leadership and maintain the image of a strong leader on the international stage. At the same time, Vice President Kamala Harris, considered the frontrunner to replace Biden if he decides to resign, is visiting Nevada, one of the few states that could determine the election outcome.
**Campaign Rally**
Trump, who predicted during his appearance on Fox News on Monday that Biden would remain in the presidential race, is holding a campaign rally in Florida on Tuesday, ahead of next week's Republican National Convention. Biden has pledged to move forward, stating that Trump (78) represents a serious threat to democracy. Trump, who reiterated many false claims during the debate, argued that his loss in the 2020 election was due to fraud and has not committed to accepting the outcome of this year's election if he loses.
**Severe Concern**
Democratic lawmakers, especially in the House, are deeply concerned that Biden's struggles could negatively impact their chances of gaining a majority in the chamber, which would serve as the last stronghold for Democrats against Trump in the event of his victory. Currently, Republicans hold a majority in the House with 220 seats, compared to 213 for Democrats.
