'Shameful baloney': Biden and Allies Reject Resignation Demands
The president's aides and supporters maintain that he possesses the capability and resolve to complete the remainder of his term in office.
TroibNews 
Joe Biden is refuting demands from Republicans, including the House Speaker, to resign following his decision to drop his reelection bid. This week, he is engaging in significant discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and addressing other major priorities.
The White House announced Sunday that Biden will continue as commander-in-chief even without seeking another term, asserting he “looks forward to finishing his term and delivering more historic results for the American people.”
This announcement came in response to Republicans questioning Biden's cognitive abilities and arguing that he cannot effectively govern if he isn't running for reelection. GOP lawmakers, echoing sentiments from figures like Donald Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), and House Speaker Mike Johnson, claimed Biden's decision indicates he is no longer fit for office.
Biden’s team has dismissed these Republican assertions as inappropriate and unfounded, insisting that he remains capable and committed to serving out his term.
“I’ll use a polite term: utterly graceless and shameful baloney,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told POLITICO regarding the GOP's attempts to force Biden out. “When an American leader like Joe Biden makes a courageous and selfless decision for the sake of the nation, some of these Republicans just race to the bottom.”
In the coming days, Biden is set to meet Netanyahu to discuss Gaza ceasefire efforts, a key priority before the November election. The administration is also involved in negotiations on Capitol Hill to fund the government and reauthorize the defense budget. Additionally, Biden is managing international efforts to support Ukraine against Russia, a mission he has taken pride in leading.
These ongoing initiatives are crucial for the Democrats' strategy to retain the White House, even if Biden won’t be president after January 20.
“Joe Biden has more experience in foreign policy than any national leader, and to have him step aside now, I think, would be a great disservice to this nation and a profound disrespect,” Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), a close Biden ally, stated on CNN.
Another Democrat, speaking anonymously, expressed confidence in Biden's commitment to his duties: "There's no fucking chance that Joe Biden is planning to resign."
Democrats hope Biden's decision will allow them to move past a turbulent news cycle and refocus on challenging Trump and highlighting policy differences. They believe Biden can now concentrate on his final months, potentially enhancing both his legacy and Vice President Kamala Harris' candidacy by finalizing significant regulations and managing delicate diplomatic efforts.
The party now has its first opportunity in nearly a month to unite behind a new candidate, with many viewing Harris as the natural successor.
"The country will quickly unify around democracy over Project 2025 and all the craziness happening with former President Trump and Vance," commented a prominent Biden donor, predicting Democratic support for Harris will solidify soon. "This will wake up the base in a completely different way."
However, Biden's aides are grappling with uncertainties about how his decision will impact daily operations and whether it will lead to changes in hierarchy and personnel. Senior White House officials aim to maintain continuity, with minimal staffing or policy shifts. Chief of staff Jeff Zients plans to address staffers about the transition.
Harris' campaign will likely emphasize the administration’s achievements in health care, the economy, and climate policy — accomplishments touted as part of the “Biden-Harris” presidency.
“We’re having a conversation now about the next several years in the future,” said a high-level Democratic official close to party leadership, emphasizing there’s no need for drastic changes. “It’s not like we’re a year out from the election.”
Some Democrats believe future proposals, particularly a Supreme Court reform package Biden is preparing, could bolster Harris' support within the party. This initiative, advocating term limits and ethical standards, has been long-awaited by progressives and could enhance Harris' appeal.
“That’s high-profile stuff that will help her electoral prospects become more likely,” noted a Biden adviser.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
The White House announced Sunday that Biden will continue as commander-in-chief even without seeking another term, asserting he “looks forward to finishing his term and delivering more historic results for the American people.”
This announcement came in response to Republicans questioning Biden's cognitive abilities and arguing that he cannot effectively govern if he isn't running for reelection. GOP lawmakers, echoing sentiments from figures like Donald Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), and House Speaker Mike Johnson, claimed Biden's decision indicates he is no longer fit for office.
Biden’s team has dismissed these Republican assertions as inappropriate and unfounded, insisting that he remains capable and committed to serving out his term.
“I’ll use a polite term: utterly graceless and shameful baloney,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told POLITICO regarding the GOP's attempts to force Biden out. “When an American leader like Joe Biden makes a courageous and selfless decision for the sake of the nation, some of these Republicans just race to the bottom.”
In the coming days, Biden is set to meet Netanyahu to discuss Gaza ceasefire efforts, a key priority before the November election. The administration is also involved in negotiations on Capitol Hill to fund the government and reauthorize the defense budget. Additionally, Biden is managing international efforts to support Ukraine against Russia, a mission he has taken pride in leading.
These ongoing initiatives are crucial for the Democrats' strategy to retain the White House, even if Biden won’t be president after January 20.
“Joe Biden has more experience in foreign policy than any national leader, and to have him step aside now, I think, would be a great disservice to this nation and a profound disrespect,” Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), a close Biden ally, stated on CNN.
Another Democrat, speaking anonymously, expressed confidence in Biden's commitment to his duties: "There's no fucking chance that Joe Biden is planning to resign."
Democrats hope Biden's decision will allow them to move past a turbulent news cycle and refocus on challenging Trump and highlighting policy differences. They believe Biden can now concentrate on his final months, potentially enhancing both his legacy and Vice President Kamala Harris' candidacy by finalizing significant regulations and managing delicate diplomatic efforts.
The party now has its first opportunity in nearly a month to unite behind a new candidate, with many viewing Harris as the natural successor.
"The country will quickly unify around democracy over Project 2025 and all the craziness happening with former President Trump and Vance," commented a prominent Biden donor, predicting Democratic support for Harris will solidify soon. "This will wake up the base in a completely different way."
However, Biden's aides are grappling with uncertainties about how his decision will impact daily operations and whether it will lead to changes in hierarchy and personnel. Senior White House officials aim to maintain continuity, with minimal staffing or policy shifts. Chief of staff Jeff Zients plans to address staffers about the transition.
Harris' campaign will likely emphasize the administration’s achievements in health care, the economy, and climate policy — accomplishments touted as part of the “Biden-Harris” presidency.
“We’re having a conversation now about the next several years in the future,” said a high-level Democratic official close to party leadership, emphasizing there’s no need for drastic changes. “It’s not like we’re a year out from the election.”
Some Democrats believe future proposals, particularly a Supreme Court reform package Biden is preparing, could bolster Harris' support within the party. This initiative, advocating term limits and ethical standards, has been long-awaited by progressives and could enhance Harris' appeal.
“That’s high-profile stuff that will help her electoral prospects become more likely,” noted a Biden adviser.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
