Four Democratic sources with knowledge have indicated to CBS News that they anticipate a wave of Democratic lawmakers to issue statements within the next 48 hours calling for President Biden to step out of the race. This coordinated effort includes pre-written statements and is not expected to be swayed by anything Biden said in his recent press conference. House Democratic leadership has advised members to speak their minds, with one source predicting the next few days to be “brutal” and hinting at the possibility of the president being unable to continue in the race by next week.
While congressional leaders are not expected to publicly call for Biden’s replacement, they aim to avoid a public break with the president out of respect. Nonetheless, there is an acknowledgment that public calls for Biden’s withdrawal would face staunch opposition from the president. Despite the defections from some House and Senate Democrats calling for Biden to end his reelection bid, it remains uncertain whether these voices will influence the president’s decision.
A potential factor that could impact Biden’s decision is the argument that continuing his candidacy may tarnish the Democratic Party’s image and electoral prospects. The only individuals seen as capable of delivering this message effectively to Biden are his sister, Valerie, and his wife, First Lady Jill Biden. If Biden were to step aside, sources predict that Vice President Kamala Harris would likely move to the top of the ticket and inherit Biden’s significant campaign funds. The transition would align with Democratic National Committee rules for a seamless transition, but the party would need to consider shoring up support among male voters and selecting a suitable male running mate for Harris.
In the event of Biden’s withdrawal, the Democratic Party would face the task of solidifying Harris’s position as the presidential candidate and selecting a suitable running mate to challenge former President Donald Trump. The transition would involve strategic decision-making to ensure the party’s success in the upcoming election. The coming days are expected to be pivotal in determining the future course of the Democratic Party’s presidential campaign.
Margaret Brennan, the moderator of “Face The Nation with Margaret Brennan,” and the Network’s chief foreign affairs correspondent in Washington, D.C., provided insights into the unfolding developments within the Democratic Party and the potential implications of President Biden’s candidacy. As the situation continues to evolve, the political landscape remains uncertain, with key decisions on the horizon that could reshape the upcoming election cycle.
