Biden campaigns through Pennsylvania as his team quietly braces for potential Democratic defections

PHILADELPHIA (Associated Press) — President Joe Biden urged supporters to stay unified during a rousing service at a Black church in critical Pennsylvania on Sunday, even as his campaign team quietly prepared for mounting pressure to abandon his reelection bid amid growing concerns about his fitness for another term.

Speaking from a stage bathed in sunlight from stained-glass windows at northwest Philadelphia’s Mount Airy Church of God in Christ, the 81-year-old Biden laughed off concerns about his age, joking, “I know I look 40,” and adding, “I’ve been doing this a long time.”

“I, honest to God, have never been more optimistic about America’s future if we stick together,” Biden said. He spoke from a prepared speech rather than using a teleprompter, which has become more common since his problematic debate performance.

This followed Biden joining a Saturday call with campaign surrogates, reiterating that he has no plans to leave the race despite an increasingly precarious political situation. The president pledged to campaign harder and to hit the road more frequently, according to two anonymous sources discussing private conversations. Five Democratic lawmakers have already called on him to abandon his reelection campaign, and more could do so as Congress reconvenes. Meeting in person increases the chances to discuss concerns about Biden’s ability to withstand the remaining four months of the campaign — not to mention four more years in the White House — and the real prospects of beating former President Donald Trump.

Biden’s campaign team is preparing for more Democrats to suggest the president should yield to another candidate in the coming days. They are holding calls with surrogates and contacting lawmakers to prevent further defections. High-profile Biden supporters are also being asked to speak out to address lingering concerns.

Alan Clendenin, a Tampa city councilman and Democratic National Committee member, said on Sunday, “I believe it is in the best interest of our country and the world that President Joe Biden step aside and allow Vice President Kamala Harris to carry forward his agenda as our Democratic nominee.”

Director Rob Reiner, who has organized Hollywood fundraisers for Biden, posted on X, “It’s time for Joe Biden to step down.”

With the Democratic convention approaching, the short term is critical. Those who feel Biden is no longer up to the task are urging Democrats to replace him at the top of the ticket before it’s too late.

Biden’s Friday interview with ABC has not convinced some skeptics. Despite this, key Democrats who previously raised questions have now moved to support Biden, including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina.

Democratic fundraising bundler Barry Goodman, a Michigan attorney, said Sunday that he still backs Biden but would support Harris if Biden steps aside. Goodman, also a finance co-chairman for Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s campaigns, noted, “We don’t have much time. I don’t think the president gets out. But if he does, I think it would be Kamala.”

Biden found a supportive audience at Mount Airy, where Pastor Louis Felton likened the president to Joseph from the biblical story of his “coat of many colors.” Felton said, “Never count Joseph out,” and added, “That’s what’s going on, Mr. President. People are jealous of you. Jealous of your stick-to-itiveness, jealous of your favor. Jealous of God’s hand upon your life.”

Biden entered to applause and a cry of “Let him know we are with him!” Felton said, “There is no election we cannot win. We are together because we love our president.” He also called Biden “a fighter” and “winner,” leading a prayer to renew Biden’s mind, spirit, and body.

The visit aimed to energize African-American voters, the Democrats’ largest and most loyal bloc of support. It also sent a message to members of the Congressional Black Caucus, whose endorsement Biden will need to quell potential rebellion on Capitol Hill.

After the church service, Biden visited a campaign office in Philadelphia, where Sen. John Fetterman, who won a tough 2022 race while recovering from a stroke, offered a strong endorsement of the president. Fetterman said, “There is only one guy that has ever beaten Trump. And he is going to do it twice and put him down for good.”

Biden also has a scheduled rally with union members in Harrisburg. Stepping off Air Force One, he was asked if the Democratic Party was behind him and emphatically responded, “Yes.” He returns to Washington, where leaders from NATO countries will gather for a three-day summit starting Tuesday.

Despite the support from figures like Fetterman, others remain unconvinced. Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut told CNN that Biden “needs to answer those questions that voters have,” adding, “If he does that this week, I think he will be in a very good position and we can get back to what this campaign needs to be.”

Biden has rejected independent cognitive testing, arguing that the daily rigors of the presidency prove his mental acuity. Still, California Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff told NBC he’d be “happy if both the president and Donald Trump took a cognitive test.”

Schiff also noted Biden’s comment during the ABC interview that losing to Trump would be acceptable “as long as I give it my all.” Schiff said, “This is not just about whether he gave it the best college try, but rather whether he made the right decision to run or to pass the torch.”