Democratic lawmakers’ concerns hang over Joe Biden’s position as the party’s presidential nominee despite campaign’s efforts

Democratic lawmakers continue to question President Joe Biden’s place as their presidential nominee two days after he asserted he was “firmly committed” to staying in the race in a letter aimed at consolidating their support behind him, with many politely suggesting he still might change his mind if polls continue to show him lagging.

Democratic lawmakers continue to question President Joe Biden’s place as their presidential nominee two days after he asserted he was “firmly committed” to staying in the race in a letter aimed at consolidating their support behind him, with many politely suggesting he still might change his mind if polls continue to show him lagging. “I think the President and his team have to really evaluate the evidence that’s out there with a cold, analytic eye and answer the question themselves: What’s the best course to achieve the goal of saving our democracy from a catastrophic Trump presidency?” Sen. Peter Welch, a Democrat from Vermont, said Wednesday. “I’m hoping the concerns that are being expressed are being heard even if not yet acknowledged.” Just nine Democrats have publicly called for Biden to step aside, but a larger number are operating under a premise that Biden may still be deliberating, with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying Wednesday, “It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run. We’re all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short.” The comments made by Pelosi, who is known for her precision, confused some members but also provided an opening for others, according to conversations with multiple lawmakers and aides. After a group of California House Democrats met in the Capitol Wednesday, many emerged echoing a similar sentiment. “The president has got to decide what he is going to do,” Democratic Rep. Scott Peters told CNN.