Mounting Democratic Pressure: Biden Faces Calls to Step Down Amid Re-Election Bid

President Joe Biden is encountering increasing pressure from fellow Democrats to drop his re-election bid after a recent news conference in which he stumbled over his words. While some party members still support him, many are concerned about his low approval ratings and age, fearing it could benefit Republican Donald Trump in the upcoming election.

President Joe Biden is facing escalating calls from fellow Democrats to abandon his re-election bid following a news conference where he occasionally stumbled over his words.

The performance left many in the party unconvinced that Biden is their best hope against Republican Donald Trump in the upcoming election. So far, at least 17 congressional Democrats have called for Biden to step aside, including some who voiced their concerns after Thursday night's press event.

Democrats are worried that Biden's low public approval ratings and mounting concerns over his age could cost the party seats in the House and Senate, especially if Trump wins the White House. Despite the unease, Biden said he has no intention of bowing out.

'If I show up at the convention and everybody says they want someone else, that's the democratic process,' Biden said, adding emphatically, 'It's not gonna happen.' Biden's performance did little to reassure those spooked by his earlier debate debacle against Trump on June 27.

In moments that drew gasps, Biden referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as 'Vice President Trump' and mistakenly introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as 'President Putin' at the NATO summit. However, Biden also delivered detailed assessments on global issues like the Ukraine war and Israel-Gaza, showcasing his decades of experience.

Some Democrats were not reassured. 'We must put forward the strongest candidate possible to confront the threat posed by Trump's promised MAGA authoritarianism. I no longer believe that is Joe Biden,' said Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, who called on Biden to end his campaign post-news conference.

However, influential party figure Representative James Clyburn of South Carolina reiterated his support. 'I am all in. I'm riding with Biden no matter which direction he goes,' he said on NBC's 'Today' program.

A senior campaign official, speaking anonymously, called the performance the 'worst of all worlds. Not good, but not bad enough to make him change his mind... It'll give some enough cover to back him publicly, only to say he's not up for it privately.'

Fundraiser Dmitri Melhorn noted that other donors saw a strong performance from Biden. 'This is the person who can beat Trump. The mistakes are baked in, and the upside is strong,' he told Reuters.

Biden will address a rally in Detroit on Friday to emphasize the 'dangers' of Trump's agenda. The event will take place in the headquarters of the United Auto Workers labor union, whose leaders have endorsed Biden but are reassessing their position, sources told Reuters.

Despite the growing party divide, opinion polls show a tight race. An NBC/PBS poll released Friday put Biden ahead of Trump by 50% to 48%, slightly improved from his pre-debate standing. A Reuters/Ipsos poll last week showed both candidates tied at 40%. However, some nonpartisan analysts warn that Biden is losing ground in key swing states.

(With inputs from agencies.)