White House reporter Yasmeen Abutaleb discusses the schism in the Democratic Party over President Biden's candidacy. Topics include calls for Biden to step aside, his defiance, and key events shaping the future of his campaign.
President Biden faces calls to step aside from some Democratic lawmakers, while receiving support from influential figures like Senator Mark Kelly.
Concerns have been raised about Biden's readiness for unscripted events, suggesting the need for more town halls to showcase his leadership abilities.
Deep dives
Calls for President Biden to Step Aside
Several Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts and Representative Adam Smith of Washington, have publicly expressed concerns about President Biden's candidacy, urging him to step aside for a more suitable candidate. Despite a small number of dissenting voices, President Biden has maintained a defiant stance, rejecting calls for him to exit the 2024 presidential race.
Challenges Faced by President Biden
President Biden's campaign has received mixed responses from key Democratic figures, with some senators like Senator Mark Warner and Senator Chris Murphy urging him to demonstrate his capability to lead the party effectively. Concerns have been raised about Biden's preparedness for unscripted events, with suggestions for more town halls and press conferences to showcase his ability to handle unscripted situations.
Support and Criticism Surrounding President Biden
While facing calls to step aside, President Biden has garnered support from influential figures like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Mark Kelly, who have endorsed him as the Democratic nominee. The Congressional Black Caucus has also shown support for Biden, emphasizing the importance of retaining his candidacy. However, ongoing scrutiny and concerns about Biden's performance in public appearances hint at potential challenges ahead.
As of Tuesday afternoon, nine congressional House Democrats have called on President Biden to step aside. At the same time, influential liberals like Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have publicly announced their support for Biden’s candidacy. Biden himself has been defiant about remaining in the race.
Today on “Post Reports,” host Martine Powers talks to White House reporter Yasmeen Abutaleb about the schism inside the Democratic Party and why this week is so pivotal for the future of the Biden campaign.
Today’s show was produced by Peter Bresnan and Elana Gordon. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and Monica Campbell and mixed by Sean Carter.