Democrats pressure Biden to answer questions after faltering in 1st debate

President Joe Biden has not yet addressed the growing unease within the Democratic Party about his viability as their candidate following a widely criticized debate performance last week. However, the calls for him to step aside from current and former lawmakers, as well as key party figures, are becoming louder.

While many prominent Democrats continue to support Biden and only one member of Congress has called for him to withdraw, concerns about his mental acuity are increasingly being voiced in TV appearances, public statements, and interviews with News.

Some of the most explicit calls for Biden to step aside have come from his former Democratic primary challengers. Former Ohio congressman and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Tim Ryan, in an opinion piece published Monday night in Newsweek, suggested that Biden should step aside and that Vice President Kamala Harris should become the Democratic nominee. Ryan criticized Biden’s debate performance, saying it was “heartbreaking” and that a new path forward was necessary.

Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro, who also ran against Biden in 2020, said on MSNBC that Democrats should find a “stronger” nominee. Independent Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia was reportedly ready to call on Biden to step aside but was talked out of it by senior Democrats.

The White House has acknowledged concerns about Biden’s debate performance. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Biden understands the concerns and is confident in his ability to do the job, citing his record. Biden plans to address these concerns in his first TV interview since the debate with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos.

A group of Democratic governors, led by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, expressed frustration over Biden’s debate performance during a call on Monday. Some governors were also frustrated by a lack of direct outreach from Biden. However, the Biden White House maintains that it is in constant touch with governors and their teams.

Some Democrats have suggested that Biden abandon teleprompter appearances and answer questions at a news conference or in a sit-down interview. Biden is expected to address these concerns in his upcoming interview with ABC News.

The party’s panic began immediately after the debate, with many Democrats expressing alarm about Biden’s performance. By the weekend, other prominent figures in the party began openly raising doubts. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin acknowledged on MSNBC that there are “honest and serious and rigorous conversations” taking place within the party about Biden’s performance.

While some party leaders, including former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton and House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries, issued brief statements in support of Biden, others have called for more transparency. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. Lloyd Doggett have both expressed concerns about Biden’s fitness for office, with Doggett calling on Biden to withdraw from the race.

Even Biden’s staunchest allies have acknowledged the legitimacy of concerns about his acuity. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested that Biden should agree to tough interviews with the press to assuage concerns. Democratic Sen. Chris Coons also emphasized the need for Biden to reassure the public with repeat public performances.

Some Democratic National Committee members have urged the party to stop the hand-wringing and focus on the work ahead. Former press secretary to First Lady Jill Biden, Michael LaRosa, suggested that Biden’s inner circle will ultimately decide his political future, and emphasized the need for Biden to engage directly with voters.

In summary, while there is growing concern within the Democratic Party about Biden’s viability as a candidate, many prominent figures continue to support him. Biden’s upcoming interview with ABC News will be an opportunity for him to address these concerns and reassure the party and the public about his ability to lead.