President
Joe Biden
is attempting to rejuvenate his reelection campaign by by attacking
Donald Trump
presidency, as concerns grow over his mental acuity following a faltering debate performance.
At a rally in
Detroit
, Biden, 81, reiterated his commitment to the race, while he also faced calls from some politicians and donors to step aside.
Addressing supporters in Detroit, Biden declared, "I am running and we're going to win," to applause from a crowd displaying "Motown is Joetown" signs and chanting "Don't you quit."
"I'm the nominee," he added as quoted by Reuters.
"I'm not going anywhere."
Biden urged Americans to take politics seriously, warning against treating it like "entertainment or a reality TV show." He called "Project 2025"—a conservative policy platform aimed at reducing federal government size if Trump is elected—"deadly serious."
Earlier the same day, Biden made an unscheduled visit to a garage-themed restaurant in a Detroit suburb, where he assured patrons, "I promise you... I'm okay," and emphasized his intention to "finish the job."
According to campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler, contributions surged to seven times their usual level following Biden's press conference on Thursday night.
Biden also received endorsements earlier that day from prominent Democrats. Representative James Clyburn and California Governor Gavin Newsom both voiced their support. United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain praised Biden for standing "with the working class," although he did not name him directly.
However, Biden's backing appears to be weakening in some quarters. Two more lawmakers have recently called for him to exit the race. Representative Mike Levin of California issued a statement saying, "It is time to move forward. With a new leader." Levin, who faces his own competitive reelection, joins at least 19 lawmakers in asking Biden to withdraw.
Despite these defections, Biden retains substantial support from key figures in the Democratic Party and has vowed to contest the Nov. 5 election.
"I'm riding with Biden no matter which direction he goes," Clyburn announced on NBC's "Today" program. Newsom also expressed his support for Biden in a CBS interview excerpt.
As he challenges Biden, Donald Trump invited him to take a cognitive test. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said, "I will go with him, and take one also. For the first time we'll be a team, and do it for the good of the Country."
Biden has been making efforts to secure loyalty from key Democratic groups. He held separate phone calls with Hispanic, Asian, and Democratic lawmakers. While top leaders of the Hispanic group have endorsed Biden, other members remain non-committal.
Democratic politicians, donors, and activists are deliberating whether Biden is the most viable candidate to defeat Trump and serve another term.
The New York Times reported that some donors told a pro-Biden Super PAC that about $90 million in pledges would be withheld as long as Biden remains in the race.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries met with Biden on Thursday night to communicate various perspectives from their 213-member caucus. Jeffries did not specify his personal stance on Biden’s candidacy but mentioned in a letter to colleagues, "I directly expressed the full breadth of insight, heartfelt perspectives and conclusions about the path forward."
Biden's recent press conference received mixed reactions. He mistakenly referred to Vice President
Kamala Harris
as "Vice President Trump" and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as "President Putin" during the NATO summit.
Nevertheless, Biden delivered detailed analyses on global issues, showcasing his extensive experience.
An NPR/PBS poll released Friday indicated Biden leading Trump 50% to 48%, a slight improvement from before the June 27 debate.
Regardless, some analysts warn that Biden is losing ground in crucial swing states. Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik wrote in the New York Times, "If current trends continue, Mr. Trump could rack up one of the most decisive presidential victories since 2008."
Biden’s campaign faces critical decisions as the 2024 election approaches. The unity of Democratic support and voter sentiment in swing states will be pivotal factors in determining the outcome of the race against Trump.
English (US) ·