Joe Biden, the US President, found himself in an uncomfortable situation after “a video of him remaining seated in trance while the pastor asked the congregation to stand went viral”. This latest gaffe comes amidst growing concerns about his candidacy for the 2024 presidential race.
The occurrence occurred during his campaign stop at a Philadelphia church. It follows a recent struggle he had against Republican candidate Donald Trump, 78 years old, during a presidential debate where he is seen appearing to freeze and then misspeak and stare blankly.The president has been known for his on-stage gaffes.
Biden continues with this re-election bid despite mounting pressure from fellow Democrats who are concerned about his ability to lead for another four years. In a fundraising email sent yesterday by him, he stated that “the idea that I should drop out is nonsense”.
On Sunday, Biden was warmly received at a Black church in Philadelphia and then later attended an event with union members in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Recent polls have shown that there may be some softening among Black voters who make up the core of Biden’s support.
During a leadership call on Sunday some House Democrats expressed their belief that Biden should withdraw from the presidential race.
Representative Angie Craig of Minnesota, the first Democratic House member from a battleground district to do so said: “Given what I saw and heard from the President during last week’s debate in Atlanta, coupled with the lack of a forceful response from the President himself following that debate, I do not believe that the President can effectively campaign and win against Donald Trump.” Apparently two letters are circulating among House Democrats with other lawmakers expected to join these calls for Biden to step aside.
Senator Mark Warner of Virginia has invited fellow senators to discuss Joe’s campaign this Monday. However Senator Bernie Sanders 82 year old who has previously run for democratic nomination firmly supports him emphasizing that democrats need policy rather than treating elections as beauty contest.
