Biden Campaigns in Pennsylvania Amid Concerns of Potential Democratic Defections

President Joe Biden called for unity among his supporters at a vibrant Black church service in Pennsylvania on Sunday. This comes as his campaign team quietly braces for increasing pressure on him to abandon his reelection bid amid growing questions about his fitness for another term.

Speaking from the stage at Mount Airy Church of God in Christ in northwest Philadelphia, the 81-year-old Biden dismissed concerns about his age with a joke, saying, "I know I look 40" and "I've been doing this a long time."

"I, honest to God, have never been more optimistic about America’s future if we stick together," Biden said, delivering his speech without a teleprompter, which has become more common since a challenging debate performance.

On Saturday, Biden joined a call with campaign surrogates, reiterating his determination to stay in the race despite an increasingly precarious political situation. He pledged to campaign harder and travel more frequently, according to two anonymous sources discussing private conversations.

Five Democratic lawmakers have already urged Biden to withdraw from the race ahead of November, with more potentially joining them as Congress reconvenes. Meeting in person provides more opportunities to discuss concerns about Biden’s ability to endure the remainder of the campaign and another four years in office, as well as his chances against former President Donald Trump.

Biden’s campaign team is preparing for more Democrats to call for him to step aside, while proactively holding calls with surrogates and reaching out to lawmakers to prevent further defections. They are also enlisting high-profile Biden supporters to speak out in hopes of rallying those with lingering doubts.

Alan Clendenin, a Tampa city councilman and member of the Democratic National Committee, expressed his opinion on Sunday, saying, "I believe it is in the best interest of our country and the world that President Joe Biden step aside and allow Vice President Kamala Harris to carry forward his agenda as our Democratic nominee."

Director Rob Reiner, who has organized fundraisers for Biden, posted on X, "It’s time for Joe Biden to step down."

With the Democratic convention approaching, the short term is especially critical. Those who doubt Biden’s capabilities are urging Democrats to replace him at the top of the ticket before it’s too late.

Biden’s recent interview with ABC has not convinced some skeptics, despite support from key Democrats like Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, who have recently reaffirmed their backing.

Democratic fundraising bundler Barry Goodman, a Michigan attorney, said he still supports Biden but would back Harris if Biden steps aside. This is notable as Goodman has also supported Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is mentioned as an alternative candidate.

“We don’t have much time,” Goodman said. “I don’t think the president gets out. But if he does, I think it would be Kamala.”

At Mount Airy, Pastor Louis Felton compared Biden to Joseph from the biblical story, who overcame adversity to achieve greatness. “Never count Joseph out,” Felton said, suggesting that those calling for Biden to step aside are motivated by jealousy.

Biden received a warm welcome at the church, where Felton praised him as a "fighter" and "winner" and led a prayer for the president's strength and renewal.

The visit aimed to energize African-American voters, a key Democratic bloc, and send a message to the Congressional Black Caucus, whose endorsement Biden will need.

After the church service, Biden visited a campaign office in Philadelphia, where Sen. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat who won a challenging race in 2022, strongly endorsed the president.

“There is only one guy that has ever beaten Trump,” Fetterman said. “And he is going to do it twice and put him down for good.”

Biden also planned a rally with union members in Harrisburg. Upon arriving, he was asked if the Democratic Party supported him, to which he emphatically responded, “Yes.” He returns to Washington for a three-day NATO summit beginning Tuesday.

Despite support from figures like Fetterman, others remain unconvinced. Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut told CNN that Biden “needs to answer those questions that voters have” while adding, “If he does that this week, I think he will be in a very good position and we can get back to what this campaign needs to be.”

Biden has rejected independent cognitive testing, arguing that the everyday rigors of the presidency are proof of his mental acuity. Still, California Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff told NBC he’d be “happy if both the president and Donald Trump took a cognitive test.”