To revitalize his faltering reelection campaign, President Joe Biden held a rare rally in Detroit on Friday, addressing a supportive crowd and emphasizing that he has no plans to withdraw from the race. Biden, 81, sought to shift focus from questions about his mental acuity and increasing Democratic dissent to the potential dangers of a Donald Trump presidency. He aimed to reset his campaign following a shaky debate performance on June 27.
Biden confidently declared, "I am running and we're going to win," to an audience holding signs reading "Motown is Joetown" and chanting, "Don't you quit." He affirmed, "I'm the nominee. I'm not going anywhere." Criticizing the media for being tough on him while giving Trump a "free pass," Biden underscored his experience and moral clarity: "Hopefully with age comes a little wisdom. Here's what I know - I know how to tell the truth, I know right from wrong ... and I know Americans want a president, not a dictator."
Biden outlined his plans for the first 100 days of a potential second term, including codifying abortion rights, passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, eliminating medical debt, raising the minimum wage, and banning assault weapons. However, these ambitious goals would require Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress.
Notably absent from the rally were Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Democratic Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, though union and religious leaders attended. Earlier, Biden made a surprise visit to a restaurant in a Detroit suburb, reassuring diners that he intended to "finish the job" and stating, "I promise you... I'm okay."
Biden received a boost from endorsements by Representative James Clyburn and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who both voiced their support for his continued candidacy. United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain, who had previously expressed concerns about Biden's chances, praised him for standing with the working class, albeit without mentioning his name.
Despite these endorsements, Biden's support is waning in some areas, with two more lawmakers calling for him to drop out. Representative Mike Levin, facing a tough reelection battle, stated, "It is time to move forward. With a new leader." Since the debate, at least 19 lawmakers, along with some donors, celebrities, activist groups, and media outlets, have urged Biden to step aside for another candidate.
Nevertheless, Biden retains significant backing from key party figures less than five months before the November 5 election. Clyburn expressed unwavering support, and Newsom affirmed his commitment to Biden in an interview with CBS.
Trump, meanwhile, challenged Biden to take a cognitive test, suggesting they do it together "for the good of the Country." The former president will be in the spotlight next week at the Republican convention in Milwaukee, where he will receive the presidential nomination.
Democrats are concerned that Biden's low approval ratings and questions about his age could lead to losses in the House and Senate, leaving them powerless if Trump wins. In an effort to quell further defections, Biden held calls with Hispanic, Asian, and Democratic lawmakers. While top Hispanic group leaders have endorsed him, some members remain undecided.
Democratic leaders, donors, and activists are debating whether Biden is the best candidate to defeat Trump and serve another term. The New York Times reported that $90 million in pledges to a pro-Biden Super PAC are on hold as long as he remains in the race. However, Biden's campaign reported a surge in donations following his Thursday night press conference.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries conveyed his caucus's diverse views on Biden's candidacy to the president. During the press conference, Biden made some verbal slips, mistakenly referring to Vice President Kamala Harris as "Vice President Trump" and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as "President Putin." Despite these gaffes, he provided detailed global issue assessments, showcasing his extensive experience.
Polls indicate a tight race, with an NPR/PBS survey showing Biden leading Trump 50% to 48%, a slight improvement since the debate. However, analysts warn that Biden is losing ground in key swing states, with some suggesting that Trump could achieve a decisive victory if current trends persist.