An embattled U.S. President Joe Biden faced escalating pressure from fellow Democrats worried about his candidacy on Sunday, concerns he aimed to ease with campaign stops in the battleground state of Pennsylvania.
Biden, 81, has faced growing calls to end his reelection bid after a halting performance in a June 27 debate with Republican Donald Trump, 78, raised questions about his ability to do the job for another four years. He has vowed to stay in the race, dismissing calls for him to drop out as “nonsense” in a fundraising email on Saturday. RELATED: Former Hawaii governors urge Biden to quit race On Sunday, the Democratic president received a warm welcome at a Black church in Philadelphia and later was due to travel to the state capital, Harrisburg, for an event with union members and local Democrats.
Black voters are a critical part of Biden’s base of support, and recent public opinion polling has shown their support for him softening. Democrats also suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris, seen as the likeliest candidate to replace Biden in the Nov. 5 election were he to bow out, could perform well.
The coming week is crucial, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” He encouraged the president to try hold a town hall or news conference to convince voters he is “the old Joe Biden.” “The president needs to do more,” Murphy said.
“I do think the clock is ticking.” Democratic U.S.
Representative Adam Schiff said on NBC.
