The US President Stands Firm Despite Mounting Pressure From Allies
WASHINGTON – Facing a wave of pressure from Democratic allies urging him to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, President Joe Biden has responded with staunch defiance, fueled by years of regret, pride, anger, and fear.
A History of Defiance
Biden’s resistance to stepping down is rooted in experiences dating back to 2015 when grief over his son Beau’s death and political pressure led him to forgo a presidential bid. Publicly, Biden cited the unpredictability of grief as his reason, but privately, he harbored anger toward allies who pushed him aside in favor of other candidates.
This anger, coupled with a deep sense of regret, has been a driving force throughout Biden’s political career. “I regret it every day,” he said in 2015, reflecting on his decision not to run.
Biden’s eventual victory in 2020 temporarily assuaged these feelings, but his pride and desire to avoid being seen as a one-term president have reignited his determination to remain in the race, despite widespread doubts about his viability.
Allies’ Concerns and Biden’s Resistance
The President’s insistence on running has caused friction within the Democratic Party. Following a poor debate performance in June and a decline in polling, senior lawmakers and donors have increasingly called for Biden to step aside.
More than 30 House Democrats and several senators have urged him to reconsider his candidacy, fearing his age and declining support could jeopardize the party’s hold on the White House and Congress. Even former President Barack Obama has reportedly joined the chorus of voices encouraging Biden to withdraw.
However, Biden remains resolute. “They were wrong in 2020. They were wrong in 2022 about the ‘red wave.’ They’re wrong in 2024,” he said on MSNBC’s Morning Joe on July 8.
Pride and Fear
Biden’s defiance is driven not only by pride but also by fear. Friends and allies note his longstanding worry about becoming irrelevant after decades at the forefront of national politics. His wife, Jill Biden, hinted at this fear in a 2017 interview, saying, “Do you understand what ‘enjoy life’ means for Joe?”
Determined to leave a legacy of accomplishment, Biden remains focused on key issues such as tax reform, Social Security expansion, and reproductive rights. “President Biden is motivated to ‘finish the work,’” said Andrew Bates, a White House spokesperson.
The Road Ahead
Despite his determination, Biden has privately discussed the potential for Vice President Kamala Harris to take the reins, raising questions about his willingness to consider stepping aside if the pressure becomes insurmountable.
As the Democratic Party grapples with its internal crisis, Biden’s decision will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the 2024 race and his lasting legacy.
