Pressure is mounting within the Democratic Party as growing numbers of lawmakers call for President Joe Biden to end his presidential campaign.

Despite growing internal dissent, some high-profile party leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Nancy Pelosi have maintained public support for Biden, even though rumors persist that there is behind-the-scenes dissatisfaction and maneuvering among them, according to the Washington Examiner.

Democratic Lawmakers Express Concerns

On Friday, a group of at least seven Democratic House members publicly urged President Biden to step down from his re-election campaign. This latest plea increases the total number of Democratic lawmakers urging Biden to end his campaign to approximately 30.

Calls for Biden's withdrawal surfaced after his performance in the first presidential debate raised worries about his cognitive health.

These concerns have created a sharp divide within the Democratic Party, with party leaders and members disagreeing on the best path forward.

Key Leaders Maintain Public-Facing Support

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has been vocal in his public support for Biden, stating, “He’s one of the most accomplished American presidents in our history. He has the vision … and the track record to make a case to the American people that will result in us being successful in November.”

However, Jeffries, alongside Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, has privately warned Biden that his campaign might be detrimental to the party’s success in the upcoming House or Senate races.

The divide is evident, though figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi continue to back Biden -- at least publicly.

Impact on Contentious Campaigns

Biden’s candidacy is particularly concerning for Democratic candidates in highly competitive races. Sen. Jon Tester from Montana, running in a crucial race, fears that Biden’s campaign might negatively impact his chances of re-election.

These electoral concerns highlight the significant internal conflict within the party regarding Biden's bid for re-election. While some view his leadership as an asset, others fear it may become a liability.

Biden’s Response to Internal Pressure

Recently diagnosed with COVID-19, President Biden is currently off the campaign trail for the weekend. Originally, he was scheduled to speak at the UnidosUS annual conference in Las Vegas but will now be unable to attend due to the illness.

Despite the illness, the pressure on Biden to consider stepping down doesn't seem to ease. Reports suggest that Biden’s family members have also been mulling whether he should reconsider the run for a second term.

Jeffries Considers Contingency Plans

Given the increasing calls for Biden to bow out, Jeffries has floated the idea of hosting a mini-primary should Biden end his re-election bid. This notion indicates the level of contingency planning among Democratic leaders worried about the potential fallout from Biden’s continued campaign.

As the debate over Biden’s candidacy rages on, the Democratic Party finds itself at a crossroads, balancing respect for an incumbent president with pragmatic electoral strategies aimed at retaining power in Congress.

Conclusion

The ongoing calls from Democratic lawmakers for President Biden to end his re-election campaign have spotlighted deep divisions within the party.

Despite unwavering public support from key leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Nancy Pelosi, concerns about Biden’s electoral viability persist.

The president’s recent COVID-19 diagnosis and ruminations within his family add further complexity to his decision on whether to continue his bid for a second term.

With potential contingency plans being considered, the situation remains dynamic and evolving as Democrats weigh their political fortunes.