Biden's Political Future Hangs in Balance as Democrats Gather for a Reckoning

Congressional Democrats will meet in the coming days to assess President Biden's performance in the first presidential debate and determine their support for his re-election campaign. The party faces growing concerns about Biden's mental fitness and electability, with some members expressing doubt about his ability to continue in office.

On Monday night, Capitol Hill will become the stage for a political reckoning that will shape the Democratic Party's future. Congressional Democrats will gather to discuss President Biden's performance in the first presidential debate, his mental fitness, and his overall electability. The outcome of this reckoning will have far-reaching implications for Biden and the entire party.

Biden and the Democrats have been caught off guard by the timing of these discussions, which have been fueled by concerns about his cognitive abilities and his poor showing in the recent debate. The decision should have been made before the primaries rather than after the earliest debate in American history.

Biden's Political Future Hangs in Balance as Democrats Gather for a Reckoning

The fact that the House met immediately after the debate, just hours after Biden's lackluster performance, put Democrats in the uncomfortable position of dodging tough questions from reporters. The recess that followed bought Biden time, but the apprehension about his performance has only intensified.

A senior House Democratic leadership source has criticized those close to Biden, saying, "this is not sustainable." Democrats are worried about what Biden's electability could mean for their chances of holding the Senate and flipping the House.

Biden's Political Future Hangs in Balance as Democrats Gather for a Reckoning

In the early going, Democrats have dodged reporters after Biden's performance. Some, like Rep. Adriano Espaillat, have dismissed the concerns, while others, like Rep. Bill Keating, have avoided questions altogether.

Rep. Matt Cartwright has downplayed the president's performance, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has emphatically stated that Biden should remain on the ballot. However, Jeffries has also acknowledged that he is listening closely to the concerns of his caucus.

Biden's Political Future Hangs in Balance as Democrats Gather for a Reckoning

The Democratic Party faces a difficult task in removing Biden from the ticket. His delegates are pledged to him, and the party cannot replace him after August 7th due to death, resignation, or disability.

Rep. Jim Clyburn, who played a key role in Biden's 2020 victory, has described the debate as "strike one" for Biden, adding that he has two more swings. However, the gravity of the situation cannot be overstated.

Biden's Political Future Hangs in Balance as Democrats Gather for a Reckoning

Even Republicans have discussed the possibility of deploying the 25th Amendment to remove Biden from office, citing concerns about his mental fitness. Rep. Mike Johnson and Rep. Chip Roy have introduced resolutions related to the amendment.

California Democrats, who represent nearly 19% of the House Democratic Caucus, could play a significant role in determining Biden's future. If they begin to move against Biden, it will be difficult for him to maintain support.

Biden's Political Future Hangs in Balance as Democrats Gather for a Reckoning

Rep. Ami Bera has stated that if the White House does not have a conversation with members of Congress about Biden's viability, "you will probably see a number of folks starting to come out."

Rep. John Garamendi, on the other hand, believes that Biden should continue campaigning, arguing that he has shown since the debate that he's "perfectly capable."

The coming days will be crucial for the Democratic Party. The reckoning on Capitol Hill will determine Biden's future and the direction of the party going forward.