Biden Resolutely Declares 2024 Run, Calls on Congressional Dems to Stop Speculation

President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to run for reelection on Monday, despite increasing calls from within his party for him to withdraw. The president’s stance came after a tumultuous weekend, which saw Democrats urging him to reconsider and a prominent House Republican demanding an investigation into Biden’s doctor.

In a letter to congressional Democrats, Biden emphasized that calls for his withdrawal ignored the primary and caucus victories he secured. He reiterated his position as the best candidate to defeat former President Donald Trump. The letter concluded with a plea for party unity and an end to the internal debate that has followed his criticized performance in the June 27 debate.

“The question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now,” Biden stated. “And it’s time for it to end. We have one job. And that is to beat Donald Trump.”

Comer Seeks Interview with Biden’s Doctor

As Congress returned from a July Fourth recess, discussions about Biden’s capacity for office continued across party lines. House Oversight and Accountability Chair James Comer (R-KY) intensified scrutiny by requesting a transcribed interview with Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician. Comer cited inconsistencies regarding the president’s health updates and potential conflicts of interest linked to O’Connor’s dealings with James Biden, the president’s brother.

Comer’s request came after discrepancies emerged between White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s statement about Biden’s last medical check-up and Biden’s own comments on being examined post-debate. Moreover, Comer expressed concerns over O’Connor’s ability to provide unbiased health assessments due to his involvement with James Biden’s rural healthcare company, Americore.

The White House has yet to respond to Comer’s inquiry.

More Democrats Call for Withdrawal

Over the holiday weekend, the chorus of House Democrats urging Biden to step aside grew louder. In a notable move, Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) from a competitive district publicly called for Biden’s withdrawal, marking her as the first from such a district to do so. She joined four other Democrats already expressing similar sentiments.

Reports suggest that additional Democrats have voiced their concerns privately. During a caucus leadership call on Sunday, committee leaders like Jerry Nadler (NY), Adam Smith (WA), Mark Takano (CA), and Joe Morelle (NY) purportedly advocated for Biden’s withdrawal. Reps. Susan Wild (PA) and Jim Himes (CT) were also cited as questioning Biden’s electability.

In a spontaneous call to MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Monday, Biden maintained his intention to remain in the race. He openly challenged critics to confront him at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month. Having secured enough pledged delegates to claim the nomination, Biden is positioned as the frontrunner even in a contested convention. Democratic Party rules assert that delegates should reflect the will of those who elected them, though they are not legally compelled to do so.