The Democratic Party is facing a significant internal conflict.
On one side stands President Biden, affectionately known as “Uncle Joe” by his supporters. He has built a diverse coalition of progressive, Black, and Hispanic voters and lawmakers. Biden frequently emphasizes that he has defeated former President Donald Trump once and can do so again.
However, there is a growing faction within the party, including key figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama, who believe Biden is too old for another term. Recent polls indicate that a majority of Democrats share this sentiment, particularly in light of Biden’s recent debate performance.
The party’s divisions were on full display this week. On Friday, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus PAC endorsed Biden, while several Democratic lawmakers voiced their opposition. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies expressed his support for the president, yet some key Democratic donors threatened to cut off funding, citing concerns over the campaign’s current financial state.
“This won’t end well unless it ends soon,” one Democratic strategist commented, highlighting the party’s internal strife. “We’re a divided nation, but even worse, we’re a divided party.”
Since Biden’s debate on June 27, the situation has oscillated between steadfast support—Biden declaring, “I am not going anywhere”—and bold opposition, such as Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) stating, “I believe President Biden should not seek re-election.”
Amid backroom discussions about the party’s prospects in November, Biden has encountered supportive crowds. At a recent rally in Detroit, the audience chanted, “Don’t you quit!”
The Democratic Party’s fracture was emphasized as Republicans unified behind Trump at the RNC, just days after an attempted assassination attempt further complicated the political landscape.
“It’s a worst-case scenario for Democrats as Republicans unify, energize, and mobilize,” said Julian Zelizer, a history and public affairs professor at Princeton University. “The polls don’t get better as more Democrats publicly articulate the problems with Biden. Meanwhile, Biden doubles down.”
The situation is further complicated by the question of succession if Biden steps aside. Some Democrats suggest Vice President Harris should become the nominee due to her experience and ability to mobilize key voter bases. However, others doubt her viability, particularly in critical states like Wisconsin and Michigan.
Certain donors advocate for an open convention next month in Chicago, though strategists warn this could create more chaos, especially if Harris is perceived as being bypassed.
“There’s no easy way to get from A to B, and I think that’s the main reason why Biden doesn’t want to go anywhere,” said one major Democratic donor.
Biden’s inner circle recalls the 2016 race when he considered running against Hillary Clinton but was dissuaded by party leaders, including former President Obama. In his book “Promise Me, Dad,” Biden reflected on his high favorability ratings and strong performance in key swing states, contrasting with Clinton’s weaknesses.
All of this likely influences Biden’s current decision-making. Despite the growing opposition, he remains resolute. As Biden recovered from a bout of COVID, his advisers continued to champion his candidacy.
“When you give me polls, I’m going to give you direct voter contact,” Jen O’Malley Dillon, Biden’s campaign co-chair, told staff on Friday. “The people that the President is hearing from are saying, ‘Stay in this race and keep going and keep fighting, and we need you.’”
Trump’s speech at the Republican National Convention served as a rare unifying moment for Democrats.
“We just have to get our s— together because damn it, we can beat this guy,” a strategist remarked.
