CV NEWS FEED // President Joe Biden on Monday sent a two-page letter to fellow Democrats doubling down on his commitment to staying in the presidential race and calling on his party to unite around him.
The letter comes as some prominent Democratic figures call Biden’s mental fitness to serve into question. Biden stated in the letter that he is fully aware of those concerns, but “I can respond to all this by saying clearly and unequivocally: I wouldn’t be running again if I did not absolutely believe I was the best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024.”
As CatholicVote reported on July 4, The New York Times reported last week that Biden had privately told allies he would consider dropping out. Within hours of the Times report, Biden adamantly told staffers he would remain in the race. “No one’s pushing me out,” he said in a meeting with campaign staff.
In his Monday letter, Biden wrote that he received over 14 million votes and has almost 3,900 delegates, “making me the presumptive nominee of our party by a wide margin.”
He noted that running as the nominee was “open to anyone who wanted to run,” and only three people did. Voters as a majority did not vote for any of his challengers, opting instead for him.
“Do we now just say this process didn’t matter? That the voters don’t have a say? I decline to do that,” Biden continued:
I feel a deep obligation to the faith and the trust the voters of the Democratic Party have placed in me to run this year. It was their decision to make. Not the press, not the pundits, not the big donors, not any selected group of individuals, no matter how well intentioned.
He emphasized that “the voters alone” are who decide the Democratic Party’s nominee.
Biden also recalled that former President Donald Trump and the “MAGA Republicans” overturned Roe v. Wade and highlighted his own support of abortion.
“I have made it clear that if Kamala and I are reelected, and the nation elects a Democratic House and Senate, we will make Roe v. Wade the law of the land again,” Biden wrote.
Ahead of Monday’s letter, various Democrats and media outlets had called for Biden to quit the re-election campaign following a dismal performance in the June 27 debate against Trump.
Axios’ Mike Allen reported on July 7 that the number of Democrats hoping for Biden to quit is growing.
“They want everyone from the Obamas to congressional leaders to beg Biden to drop out by this Friday,” Allen wrote.
Biden’s age and health have been notable concerns, Allen added. “Lawmakers from all factions of the party tell Axios that big donors and key constituents have grave concerns about Biden’s strength.”
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Biden wrote in his Monday letter: “The question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now. And it’s time for it to end. We have one job. And that is to beat Donald Trump.
He noted that the Democratic Convention is in 42 days and the general election is in 119.
“Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us,” he concluded. “It is time to come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump.”
