Rep. Jim Clyburn, a prominent Democratic figure and influential force in President Joe Biden's success, has announced his continued support for Biden in the 2024 elections despite growing calls for him to step down. Clyburn defended Biden's performance during a press conference where he made several gaffes, attributing them to his history with a stutter.
Biden's age and mental acuity have been major concerns among Democrats, with some expressing doubts about his ability to effectively serve as president. Despite these concerns, Clyburn believes that Biden has one of the best minds and should be given the respect to make decisions regarding his future.
Should Biden decide to step down, Clyburn has indicated that he would endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination.
The debate over Biden's continued candidacy comes as Democrats face a dilemma: a coronation or a contest. If Biden steps aside, the party could either anoint Harris as his successor or hold primaries to determine the nominee. Some argue that holding primaries would provide valuable information about the candidates and allow for a more democratic process, while others believe it could lead to intraparty fighting and potentially harm the eventual nominee.
The issue of Biden's age and mental acuity is not new; concerns were raised during his 2020 campaign. However, they have gained renewed attention following a series of gaffes during a NATO press conference, where he mistakenly referred to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as 'President Putin'.
Despite the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party, Clyburn remains steadfast in his support for Biden and believes that Democrats should focus on the record of this administration and the alternative to Biden's election.
