Biden's 'candidacy' letter to Democratic members of Congress

Biden sent a letter to Democrats in Congress following calls for him to "withdraw from his candidacy," which began after his live broadcast appearance with his Republican rival Trump on the night of June 27. 

In the letter, Biden rejected discussions regarding his health and calls to withdraw from the race, stating, "Despite all the speculation in the press and elsewhere, I want you to know that I am firmly committed to staying in this race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump."

Calling for unity among Democrats, Biden noted the following:

"It is time to put these discussions to bed. We have one job, and that is to beat Donald Trump. Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us.”

BIDEN'S CANDIDACY QUESTIONED

On the other hand, despite Biden repeatedly stating since the live broadcast that he will not withdraw from the race, discussions continue within Democratic party circles regarding whether or not he should continue his candidacy.

Speaking to CNN, Biden's campaign officials reported that after the live election debate, Biden personally reached out to 20 prominent Democratic members of Congress in Washington, including leaders in the Senate, the House of Representatives, and committees, to try to reassure them regarding their concerns.

However, despite this, it was reported yesterday that approximately 6 senior Democratic members of Congress met with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to express their concerns about Biden's health and to voice their demands for him to drop his presidential bid.

It was noted that some of these individuals serve as ranking Democratic members on subcommittees in Congress.

Members of Congress, who had gone on recess before the live broadcast that sparked the debate over Biden's health, are returning to Washington today.

It is anticipated that discussions on this issue will continue during meetings to be held among Democratic party members in Congress this week, and that the number of individuals calling for Biden to step aside may increase.

FIRST LIVE BROADCAST CRITICIZED

Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden and his Republican rival Donald Trump, who are competing in the presidential election to be held in the U.S. on November 5, faced off in their first live broadcast debate on CNN on the night of June 27.

The 81-year-old Biden failed to deliver a performance that would alleviate concerns about his age regarding his second-term candidacy and was subjected to intense criticism after the program. Calls were made for Biden to "withdraw from the presidential election" by segments of the Democratic Party and some media outlets that support him.

Biden, however, acknowledged that his health is not what it used to be, but stated that he is still the best alternative against Trump and declared that he would not withdraw from the race.

U.S. House of Representatives Democratic member Lloyd Doggett became the first Democratic Party member of Congress to call on Joe Biden to "withdraw from the presidential race" on July 2.

News Source: AA