In a two-page letter sent to Congressional Democrats Monday morning, President Joe Biden said he is “firmly committed” to staying in the race as more Democratic leaders have called for him to step aside following his lackluster debate performance.
“I wouldn’t be running again if I did not absolutely believe I was the best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024,” President Biden wrote in the letter, adding that only three people unsuccessfully challenged his bid for reelection and Democratic voters have consistently chosen him as the nominee.
The letter was sent to lawmakers as they return to Capitol Hill following their July 4 recess.
After the first debate of this election cycle on June 27, the president’s stumbles have overshadowed Trump’s mistruths. Concern over President Biden’s performance has snowballed into a divide between top-ranking members of the Democratic party and prompted crisis control from his campaign.
NEW @scrippsnews: Pres. Biden sends a defiant letter to Congressional Democrats, as they return to Washington, refusing to step aside:
“I wouldn’t be running again if I did not absolutely believe I was the best person to defeat Donald Trump in 2024.” pic.twitter.com/V4AQ1g28w4
— Nathaniel Reed (@ReedReports) July 8, 2024
The latest House Democrats to call for President Biden to step aside in the race include Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York, Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, and Rep. Mark Takano of California.
Still, other members have vocalized support for President Biden, including two leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus — Rep. Maxine Waters of California and Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia — and several Democratic governors who recently met with President Biden.
President Biden said he’s had extensive conversations with party leaders since the debate and has taken the concerns seriously. However, he encouraged the party to come together, adding in his letter that further divisiveness would only help Trump’s campaign.
“I have no doubt that I — and we — can and will beat Donald Trump,” President Biden said in the letter.
