- Episode AI notes
- House Democrats and a Democratic senator have publicly called for Biden to step aside, concerned about his impact on competitive races
- Nancy Pelosi and others have subtly suggested Biden’s withdrawal, but overall there is overwhelming support for him to make the decision
Biden is firm in his decision to run despite pressure to step down, but uncertainty remains about his stance and a possible change in decision Time 0:00:00
Political Pressure on Biden to Step Aside Summary: Several House Democrats and one Democratic senator have publicly called for Biden to step aside, indicating concerns about his impact on competitive congressional and Senate races. While some party figures like Nancy Pelosi have subtly suggested Biden’s withdrawal, there is overall overwhelming support for him to make the decision, with Biden firm in his decision to run despite calls for him to step down.
Speaker 2
So seven House Democrats have publicly called for him to stand aside now, as has one Democratic senator. That’s not nothing, given that the Democratic typically is quite well behaved and orderly. And then below the surface part, there are a lot of people who haven’t spoken out publicly, who have concerns, particularly those running in competitive congressional or Senate races And are worried about Biden dragging them down. You also see some senior party figures, party elders like Nancy Pelosi, who seems to be asking Biden to go without actually asking him to go.
Speaker 1
It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run. We’re all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short. I think overwhelming support of the caucus. It’s not for me to say, I’m not the head of the caucus anymore, but he’s beloved. He is respected and people want him to make that decision. He has made the decision.
Speaker 4
He has said firmly this week, he is going to run. Do you want him to run?
Speaker 1
I want him to do whatever he decides to do.
Speaker 2
And earlier this week, Adam Smith, who’s the ranking Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, called for Biden to step down on CNN.Sticking to his guns Summary: Mr. Biden seems determined to stick to his decision not to step aside, despite the potential trouble it could cause for the Democratic Party. However, the uncertainty of his stance lies in the fact that the final decision rests solely with him, leading many to try and understand his mindset. While he appears resolute for now, the possibility of a change in his decision remains, emphasizing the importance of closely monitoring his actions.
Speaker 4
I mean, it might be a moot point in that Mr. Biden may in fact stick to his guns unless there is some way to force his hand. It might be moot, Jason.
Speaker 2
All the signs at the moment, as you know, are that Joe Biden is sticking to his guns. He said in a recent interview he wouldn’t step aside unless it was the Lord Almighty coming down and asking him to do so. That’s a pretty high bar. But I also have to say, if you’re Joe Biden, you can’t show any sign of weakness really until the moment that you do actually decide to stand aside. Now, every signal he’s giving is that he’s not going to stand aside. But I just still think the Democratic Party is going to be in so much trouble if it goes through to the election in November with him at the top of the ticket. I think privately most of them know that. The reason this story is quite so hard to report is that the decision rests in the hands of one man, Joe Biden, and so everybody is trying to get into his head. And yes, he is old and stubborn and doesn’t like to be pushed around, but he could change his mind and everything changes.
Speaker 4
But I’m really curious as to why Mr. Biden doesn’t see this. Like a man who’s dedicated his entire life to public service. He must be politically savvy enough to know that this is really troubled.
Speaker 2
Jason, I agree with you on the face of it.
