Pressure Mounts on President Biden to Withdraw from 2024 Election Race

In a recent development, there is mounting pressure on President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 election following concerns about his recent debate performance. Several senior House Democrats, including Reps. Jerry Nadler, Mark Takano, Adam Smith, and Joe Morelle, expressed during a Zoom meeting with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries that Biden should step aside from the race. Additionally, Reps. Jim Himes, Don Beyer, and Jamie Raskin also showed skepticism about the president's electoral prospects. Despite initial reports suggesting Beyer's support for Biden's withdrawal, he later reaffirmed his backing for the President. The call for Biden to withdraw comes amidst a slow leak of Democratic lawmakers urging him to step aside, with Rep. Angie Craig being the latest to join the chorus. Despite the growing pressure, Biden has remained defiant, asserting his intention to continue in the race. In response to questions about stepping down, Biden dismissed the idea, emphasizing his determination to stay in the race. He highlighted discussions with key party leaders like Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, as well as a recent meeting with Democratic governors at the White House. The situation underscores a growing divide within the Democratic Party regarding Biden's candidacy for the upcoming election. While some members express doubts about his chances, others, like Beyer, continue to show support for the Biden-Harris campaign. The President's resolve to stay in the race despite internal pressures sets the stage for a potentially contentious path forward as the election season unfolds. CBS News has reached out to the involved members for further insights on their positions regarding Biden's candidacy. As the debate over President Biden's reelection bid intensifies, the dynamics within the Democratic Party are coming to the forefront. With calls for Biden to withdraw gaining momentum among some House Democrats, the President's response and the reactions from party members signal a critical juncture in the lead-up to the 2024 election. The evolving situation underscores the complexities and challenges facing the Democratic Party as it navigates internal discussions and external pressures regarding the future of Biden's candidacy.