Arizona Delegates Stand Firm: Dismiss Calls for Biden’s Exit Despite Debate Missteps

WASHINGTON – As the Democratic National Convention approaches, Arizona delegates are staunchly backing President Joe Biden, despite concerns about his capacity to fend off a challenge from Donald Trump and serve a second term.

Last week, Tucson Representative Raúl Grijalva called for Biden to withdraw from the race, becoming the second Democrat in Congress to do so.

However, delegates heading to Chicago remain committed to Biden. They stress loyalty to the president, awareness of the ramifications of a sudden change in the candidate lineup, and responsibility to the party.

Delegate April Ignacio, aiming to be the first Indigenous woman elected to the Pima County Board of Supervisors, expressed that the media’s treatment of Biden has been offensive. “Indigenous communities and Native communities do not publicly humiliate their elders the way the media has,” Ignacio said.

Former state House member Lorenzo Sierra of Avondale shared a personal anecdote. During his severe battle with COVID-19 in 2020, Sierra recalled Biden offering prayers during his darkest hour. “President Biden did not give up on me, and I will not give up on him,” he stated, emphasizing Biden’s importance for America’s future.

Cronkite News contacted over 80 Arizona Democrats scheduled to serve as delegates. They overwhelmingly support Biden staying in the race, though some admit to lingering worries.

Delegate Mark Robert Gordon suggested a serious discussion about Biden’s candidacy might be warranted if another significant incident occurs. Yet Gordon believes this topic should be laid to rest for now.

Nearly all 3,900 delegates are pledged to Biden and are mandated to support him on the first ballot unless he releases them. Some propose a loophole that allows delegate sentiment to shift based on changing voter opinions by the time of the formal nomination.

Tempe delegate Steven Jackson remains confident in defeating Trump, regardless of the candidate, while highlighting his support for Biden.

Biden’s June 27 debate performance sparked near-panic among Democrats. Tucson delegate Joshua Polacheck described it as a bad night, yet reaffirmed Biden’s democratic commitment.

Grijalva is the highest-profile Arizona Democrat urging Biden to pass the torch to someone younger. Still, others like Senator Mark Kelly argue for Biden’s continued candidacy, pointing out Biden’s previous electoral success and contrasting him with Trump, a convicted felon.

Biden narrowly secured Arizona’s 11 electoral votes in 2020, a strategic win that Democrats hope to repeat despite Trump’s present lead in some polls.

20-year-old Markus Ceniceros, the youngest Arizona delegate, recognizes concerns about Biden’s age but insists on his continued campaign effort.

Fear of electoral disaster looms if Biden were to drop out. Phoenix delegate Signa Oliver believes any sudden change would hand victory to Trump.

Delegates are apprehensive about finding a suitable replacement for Biden, with many doubting Vice President Kamala Harris’s electability despite her qualifications.

The second and final debate between Biden and Trump is scheduled for September 10, a pivotal event before Election Day.

Isabel Hiserodt, president of the Young Democrats at Arizona State University, articulated concerns about Biden’s debate performance but underscored the danger posed by Trump.

Cottonwood’s Llama Habern focused on Biden’s accomplishments, stating, “He doesn’t have to be a great speaker, he just has to be a good president.”

First-time delegate Robert Branscomb acknowledged initial shock at Biden’s debate performance but reaffirmed his confidence in Biden’s leadership and policies.

Reporting from Cronkite News correspondents Keetra Bippus, Brianna Chappie, Alex Cunningham, Amaia J. Gavica, Aoife Kane, Isabelle Marceles, Alex MacDonald, and Sahara Sajjadi.