Biden rallies Detroit, revives campaign amidst calls for new leadership

President Joe Biden electrified a passionate crowd in Detroit on Friday, delivering a defiant message that he remains firmly in the race and issuing a stark warning about the dangers of a Donald Trump presidency.

At 81, Biden faces mounting scrutiny over his mental acuity and an increasing number of Democratic defections. However, the President sought to pivot the national discourse, emphasizing the perils of another Trump term while attempting to reinvigorate his campaign following a shaky debate performance on June 27.

Addressing a vibrant crowd brandishing “Motown is Joetown” signs and chanting “Don’t you quit,” Biden declared, “I am running and we’re going to win.” He assured the attendees, “I’m the nominee. I’m not going anywhere.”

Biden took direct aim at the media, pointing to the press section and asserting, “They’ve been hammering me,” eliciting boos from the crowd. He continued, “Guess what, Donald Trump has gotten a free pass.”

In a spirited and sometimes gleeful performance, Biden remarked, “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.”

The president outlined ambitious plans for his first 100 days of a potential second term, including codifying abortion rights, enacting the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, eliminating medical debt, raising the minimum wage, and banning assault weapons. However, he acknowledged that these sweeping changes would be challenging without Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress.

While the rally saw attendance from union and religious leaders, notable absentees included Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Democratic Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters.

Earlier on Friday, Biden made a surprise visit to a restaurant in a Detroit suburb, where he told diners he intended to “finish the job,” assuring them, “I promise you… I’m okay.”

The president received a significant boost with endorsements from influential Democrats, Representative James Clyburn and California Governor Gavin Newsom, both urging him to stay in the race.

However, signs of dwindling support emerged as two more lawmakers called for Biden to step aside. Representative Mike Levin of California, facing a competitive reelection battle, stated, “It is time to move forward. With a new leader.”

Since the debate, at least 19 lawmakers, along with some donors, Hollywood figures, activist groups, and news outlets, have urged Biden to withdraw, hoping the party can select a different candidate.

Despite this, Biden retains backing from key party figures, with less than five months until the November 5 election. Clyburn expressed unwavering support, saying, “I’m riding with Biden no matter which direction he goes,” on NBC’s “Today” program. Newsom echoed this sentiment in a CBS interview excerpt.

During his Michigan visit, Biden faced a public challenge from Trump, who suggested they both take a cognitive test, writing on Truth Social, “I will go with him, and take one also. For the first time we’ll be a team, and do it for the good of the Country.”

Next week, Trump will take center stage as the Republican Party holds its convention in Milwaukee to officially nominate him for the presidency.

**CRUCIAL CALLS**

Democrats are increasingly concerned that Biden’s low approval ratings and growing doubts about his age could lead to significant losses in the House and Senate, potentially relinquishing control of Washington if Trump wins the White House.

To mitigate further defections, Biden conducted separate phone calls with groups of Hispanic, Asian, and Democratic lawmakers. While the top two leaders of the Hispanic group have endorsed him, other members remain undecided.

Party officials, donors, and activists are evaluating whether Biden remains their best chance to defeat Trump and serve another term. The New York Times reported that some donors have withheld approximately $90 million in pledges to a pro-Biden Super PAC until his candidacy is confirmed.

Campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler revealed that donations surged to seven times the usual level during Biden’s Thursday night press conference, as Air Force One headed to the Motor City.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries met with Biden on Thursday night to convey the diverse opinions within his 213-member caucus. He refrained from stating his personal stance on Biden’s candidacy, writing, “I directly expressed the full breadth of insight, heartfelt perspectives and conclusions about the path forward.”

Thursday’s press conference offered material for both Biden supporters and skeptics. In one instance, Biden mistakenly referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump.” Earlier, he introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as “President Putin” at the NATO summit, causing gasps in the room. However, he also provided detailed assessments of global issues, showcasing his extensive experience on the world stage.

With most U.S. voters divided along ideological lines, opinion polls indicate a tight race. An NPR/PBS poll released on Friday showed Biden leading Trump 50% to 48%, a slight improvement since the June 27 debate. However, analysts warn that Biden is losing ground in key swing states that will determine the election’s outcome.

Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik cautioned in the New York Times, “If current trends continue, Mr. Trump could rack up one of the most decisive presidential victories since 2008.”

As the campaign unfolds, Biden’s ability to rally his base and address concerns about his age and mental acuity will be pivotal in determining his electoral prospects.