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During a phone interview on MSNBC, President Biden pushed back on “big names” and “elites” within the Democratic Party who are calling for him to step aside as the nominee.
In the “Morning Joe” interview, Biden dismissed influential figures urging him to step down, saying, “I’m getting frustrated by the elites in the party, ‘Oh, they know so much more. Any of these guys that don’t think I should run, run against me. Announce for president, challenge me at the convention.”

Biden downplayed concerns about his age and health while criticizing former President Trump for staying out of the public eye. He said, “I’m not going to care what those big names think. … Come out with me and watch people react. You make a judgment. I’m not going to explain any more about what I should or I shouldn’t do. I am running. I am running, and if you want to stop me, come. The bottom line here is we’re not going anywhere. I’m not going anywhere. I’m not letting up, Joe. I’m not letting up even a little bit.”
Amid increased calls from lawmakers and donors for him to reconsider his candidacy, Biden reaffirmed his decision in a letter to congressional Democrats. He wrote, “The question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now. And it’s time for it to end.” He urged the party to unite against Trump, emphasizing, “Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us.”
This development comes as President Biden faces a notable week ahead, with a NATO summit in Washington DC and a Thursday press conference, his first solo press conference in nearly six months. Additionally, the president is facing significant pushback within his party to step down, with five sitting House lawmakers calling on him to publicly resign. Reports are also circulating that more lawmakers, including senior Democrats, are preparing to come forward, having been waiting to speak out.