WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden firmly stated he is not exiting the presidential race on Monday, calling on Democrats to come together so it can have the best chance at defeating Donald Trump in November.
Speaking to MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Monday, Biden dared his Democratic critics to challenge him at the party’s August convention.
“I’m getting so frustrated by the elites in the party. They know so much more,” Biden said. “If any of these guys don’t think I should run, run against me. Go ahead. Announce for president — challenge me at the convention!”
“The bottom line is, we’re not going anywhere. I am not going anywhere!” Biden said as he raised his voice.
“I wouldn’t be running if I didn’t absolutely believe that I am the best candidate to beat Donald Trump in 2024. We had a Democratic nominating process where the voters spoke clearly,” he said.
Biden’s phone call came just minutes after a letter he wrote to Democratic leadership became public.
“Now that you have returned from the July 4th recess, I want you to know that despite all the speculation in the press and elsewhere, I am firmly committed to staying in this race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump,” 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. We have one job. And that is to beat Donald Trump,” Biden continued. “Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task head only helps Trump and hurts us.”
Biden’s comments come after several Democrats in Congress have called on the President to step down as the party’s nominee following his disastrous debate performance.
Reps. Jerry Nadler, Mark Takano, Joe Morelle and Adam Smith called on Biden to exit the race on Sunday, according to those familiar with the matter.
Biden on Monday shot back, saying he is not afraid or worried about what the lawmakers think.
“I don’t think what those big names think,” Biden said. “They were wrong in 2020. They were wrong in 2022 about the red wave. They’re wrong in 2024.”
“I am not letting up,” Biden said.
