President Biden's recent interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos has sparked widespread disappointment among Democratic members of Congress, raising serious concerns about his ability to defeat former President Trump in the upcoming election.

Despite Biden's insistence on his capabilities, many lawmakers are increasingly vocal about their doubts and are calling for him to step aside in the wake of his sit-down with Stephanopoulous, as Axios reports.

Interview Highlights

During the 22-minute interview, President Biden attempted to assure both the public and his party of his readiness for another presidential run.

He asserted his stamina to take on Trump, declined to take a cognitive test, dismissed unfavorable polls, and downplayed the mounting pressure from his Democratic allies to withdraw from the race.

Biden emphatically stated, "If the Lord Almighty came down and said 'Joe, get out of the race,' I'd get out of the race. The Lord Almighty's not coming down."

Despite his confident front, the interview left several Democratic lawmakers unimpressed and worried about his electoral viability.

Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) defended Biden, criticizing her colleagues for "undermining this incredible actual leader who has delivered real results for our country." However, this sentiment is not universally shared within the party.

Growing Dissatisfaction

Four House Democrats thus far have publicly called for Biden to step down, with expectations that more will follow. One House Democrat ominously stated, "The drip drip is about to be more than that," suggesting a growing wave of public pressure on Biden to reconsider his candidacy.

Another House Democrat echoed this sentiment, stating, "We'll certainly amp up the public pressure as needed." This growing dissatisfaction within his party indicates a significant shift in confidence regarding Biden's potential success in the 2024 election.

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) suggested that Biden should engage in an extended live interview to better communicate his plans and competence to the voters. He remarked that Biden did a "very good job" but noted the need for more comprehensive engagement.

Calls for Transparency

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), while supporting Biden, emphasized the necessity for transparency and further proof of Biden's capabilities.

"Voters select our nominee, and they chose him. Now, he needs to prove to those voters that he is up to the job and that will require more than just this one interview," Khanna stated. He called for the White House to be more open and willing to address legitimate questions about Biden's abilities.

Despite Biden's efforts, the interview did little to sway opinions on Capitol Hill. One House Democrat bluntly remarked, "The interview hardly inspires confidence. It changes nothing." Another added, "No one's mind has been changed," and noted that a growing number of lawmakers agree that "it's time" for Biden to step aside, hoping he will do so voluntarily.

Lawmakers' Reactions

Some Democratic lawmakers have publicly backed Biden, including Sens. John Fetterman (D-PA) and Chris Coons (D-DE), as well as Reps. Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX). However, their support contrasts sharply with the voices of those urging Biden to reconsider his candidacy.

Criticism of the interview was not limited to Biden's opponents. Even those within his support base expressed concerns. A House Democrat commented, "It makes me wonder what the Biden campaign is thinking, to build up so much expectation around this interview ... and then serve up a 22-minute mixed bag."

Wilson criticized her colleagues for their lack of unity, arguing that their actions were detrimental to a leader who has achieved significant results for the country. This internal division highlights the broader challenges Biden faces within his own party.

Conclusion

President Biden's ABC News interview with George Stephanopoulos has intensified the debate within the Democratic Party about his candidacy. While Biden remains steadfast in his decision to run, the interview has failed to alleviate concerns among many Democratic lawmakers. With public pressure mounting and calls for greater transparency, Biden's path to securing the Democratic nomination appears increasingly fraught with challenges.

Democratic lawmakers are split between those calling for Biden to step aside and those urging party unity. The interview did little to change opinions, and as one House Democrat put it, "We needed more than that." The coming months will be critical as Biden works to prove his readiness for another term and address the doubts within his party.