President Biden faced mounting skepticism within his own party as Democrats in Congress continued to question his viability as a candidate. Despite his efforts to reassure allies through a letter and a phone interview, many Democrats remained unconvinced.
Lawmakers returned to Washington after a weeklong recess, with divisions within the party becoming more apparent. Some prominent Democrats, including Senator Mark Warner and Representative Adam Smith, expressed concerns about Mr. Biden’s path to victory in November.
While some lawmakers, like Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Representative Steven Horsford, voiced support for the president, others, such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, remained confident in his ability to win in November.
However, doubts lingered on Capitol Hill, with lawmakers worrying about Mr. Biden’s debate performance and his impact on down-ballot races. Many Democratic senators emphasized the importance of defeating Donald Trump and the need for Mr. Biden to address concerns about his age and fitness.
As discussions about Mr. Biden’s future continued among Democrats, Senator Brian Schatz and Senator Michael Bennet emphasized the importance of finding the best candidate to win the presidency and secure control of Congress. While some, like Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Thomas R. Carper, offered their support for Mr. Biden, others in politically challenging races declined to provide political cover for the president.
Overall, the Democratic Party was grappling with the question of Mr. Biden’s candidacy and his ability to lead the party to victory in November. The upcoming meetings among Democrats in Congress would be crucial in determining the path forward for the party.
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