President Joe Biden seems to have staved off immediate demands for his withdrawal from the presidential race, yet serious concerns about his candidacy continue to ripple through the Democratic Party.

As lawmakers reconvened on Capitol Hill, they faced an array of questions that highlighted varying levels of support for Biden's campaign, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Lawmakers Return Amid Growing Concerns

Biden encountered only one new public call for his exit from the race on Monday, bringing the total to six sitting members of Congress. This development comes as lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill for the first time in more than two weeks, with concerns about Biden's candidacy still at the forefront.

Despite the apprehensions, top Democrats such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reaffirmed their support for Biden.

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin also expressed strong confidence in Biden but acknowledged that the president’s recent debate performance has sparked a national conversation about his competence.

“I have high confidence in the president, but his debate debacle has raised a national discussion about his competence and ability to finish the campaign,” Durbin said.

Varied Reactions from Senate Democrats

Sen. Gary Peters dismissed concerns about Biden's potential impact on down-ballot candidates, but Sen. Tina Smith was less definitive, indicating significant unease among her constituents. “I have a lot of concerns, and I’m not the only one,” Smith said. “I’ve been hearing a lot of concerns from folks back home in Minnesota.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray was candid in her evaluation, calling for a more vigorous campaign effort from Biden. “We need to see a much more forceful and energetic candidate on the campaign trail in the very near future,” Murray stated. “At this critical time for our country, President Biden must seriously consider the best way to preserve his incredible legacy and secure it for the future.”

Meanwhile, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who is focused on her own campaign, offered tepid support for the Democratic ticket without specifically endorsing Biden. “My constituents are asking a lot of questions and have some concerns,” Baldwin noted.

Biden's Defiant Stand

Biden himself remained defiant in the face of growing doubts, urging House Democrats to cease discussions about his candidacy. “The question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now. It’s time for it to end. We have one job. And that is to beat Donald Trump,” he asserted.

He also threw down the gauntlet to party elites, challenging them to run against him. “Run against me. Go ahead. Announce for president. Challenge me at the convention,” Biden said.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent member of the progressive "Squad," backed Biden unequivocally, stating, “The matter is closed. Joe Biden is our nominee.”

Calls for Withdrawal and Continued Uncertainty

However, dissenting voices persisted. Rep. Adam Smith became the sixth lawmaker to call for Biden to step down, citing his debate performance as alarming. “The president’s performance in the debate was alarming to watch,” Smith said. “The American people have made it clear they no longer see him as a credible candidate to serve four more years as president.”

Sens. Jon Tester and Sherrod Brown voiced concerns without explicitly demanding Biden’s withdrawal. Sen. Mark Warner hinted at ongoing discussions about the best path forward for the party. “As these conversations continue, I believe it is incumbent upon the president to more aggressively make his case to the American people,” Warner commented.

Democratic mega-donors are also reportedly uneasy, with some distancing themselves from the campaign. This uncertainty adds to the challenges Biden faces as he seeks to unify his party ahead of the upcoming elections.

Upcoming Caucus Meetings

Separate caucus-wide meetings for House and Senate Democrats are scheduled, offering a platform to discuss the party's direction and Biden’s candidacy. These meetings are expected to be crucial in determining the party’s strategy moving forward.

Sen. Brian Schatz highlighted the importance of these internal discussions. “One of the most important things for Democrats in the country is to beat Donald Trump. It’s important that we have in-person family conversations about the best way to do that,” Schatz said.

In conclusion, while President Biden has managed to halt immediate calls for his withdrawal, significant doubts about his candidacy persist within the Democratic Party. Top Democrats maintain their support, but varying levels of confidence and calls for a more dynamic campaign highlight the ongoing debate. The upcoming caucus meetings will be pivotal in shaping the party’s approach as they head into the elections, with unity and strategy at the forefront of their concerns.