In a high-profile press conference on Friday, Representative James Clyburn, a powerful Democrat in Congress, gave President Joe Biden a boost by stating that the 81-year-old incumbent should not withdraw his reelection effort.
Clyburn, 83, is a respected voice among Black Americans whose support is essential to Biden’s 2024 campaign. He has served in Congress for more than 30 years and played a leading role in Biden’s successful 2020 White House run.
However, another congressional Democrat called on Biden to step aside and allow the party to pick another standard bearer, raising to 18 the number who has done so.
Democratic officeholders, donors and activists are trying to determine whether Biden is their best bet to defeat Republican Donald Trump in the Nov. 5 election and serve another four-year term in the White House.
With most U.S. voters firmly divided into ideological camps, opinion polls show the race remains close.
