In a defiant response to the New York Times' call for him to withdraw from the presidential race, President Joe Biden has refused to back down, despite the fallout from his recent debate performance.
The Times, which had previously endorsed Democratic presidential candidates Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren in 2020 over Biden, has now criticized the president's decision to run as a 'reckless gamble'.
According to the Daily Mail, the Times' editorial board stated that Biden "is not the man he was four years ago" and suggested that his continued attempts to run for presidency pose a significant risk to the country's future. The board's critique comes amidst discussions among political advisors about the possibility of replacing Biden on the ticket, a move that would require navigating complex party rules.
A senior adviser to the president, however, dismissed the Times' criticism, telling CNN, "The last time Joe Biden lost the New York Times editorial board's endorsement, it turned out pretty well for him." This was a reference to Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election, where he defeated Donald Trump despite not receiving the Times' endorsement.
The fallout from the debate has also sparked discussions among Democratic donors about the need for an 'intervention' led by former President Barack Obama. The aim would be to help Biden recognize the widespread criticism of his performance against Trump. However, Obama defended Biden on Twitter, writing, "Bad debate nights happen. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself."
The New York Times' call for Biden to withdraw from the race has been echoed by other influential publications, including the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, and the Atlantic. Their leading columnists have also suggested that Biden should step aside. This sentiment is shared by a group of Silicon Valley megadonors, who have been discussing the potential catastrophe of Biden's continued candidacy.
Despite these calls for his withdrawal, Biden remains steadfast in his determination to run for a second term. He addressed the concerns about his age and performance during a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, stating, "I know I'm not a young man. To state the obvious. Folks, I don't walk as easily as I used to. I don't speak as smoothly as I used to. I don't debate as well as I used to. But I know what I know - I know how to tell the truth. I know right from wrong. And I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done."
Biden's defiance in the face of criticism is not without its supporters. His wife, First Lady Jill Biden, defended her husband's debate performance and praised his integrity and character. She also highlighted his efforts in helping the country heal from the chaos of the previous administration.
However, the pressure on Biden to step aside is mounting, with some Democratic grandees calling for him to suspend his campaign and allow a younger candidate to take his place. The decision ultimately lies with Biden and his closest advisors, including his wife, who is seen as the only person capable of persuading him to withdraw from the race.
Meanwhile, Trump has seized the opportunity to criticize Biden's debate performance and question his ability to lead the country for another four years. Speaking at a rally in Virginia, Trump suggested that Biden's week of rest and preparation for the debate did not prevent his poor performance. He also questioned whether the country could survive another four years of Biden's presidency.
As the November election draws closer, the question of Biden's candidacy remains a contentious issue. Whether he will heed the calls to step aside or continue to fight for a second term is yet to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the debate over Biden's fitness for office is far from over.
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