Democrats keep piling on as Biden stands firm

CNN —

President Joe Biden’s critical news conference didn’t end his reelection campaign on Thursday night. But it showed why it will be so hard for him to save it.

Biden endured his latest agonizing, public test of cognition as he faces a growing torrent of calls from Democrats, worried that he’s destined to lose to former President Donald Trump, to step aside.

The president’s deepening reality is that every halting step he takes to tackle his biggest liability — his age and diminished condition — the more he highlights it. And his defiance suggests he may be one of the last people to realize it.

President Joe Biden speaks at a news conference following the NATO Summit in Washington, Thursday, July 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

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“I believe I’m the best qualified to govern. And I think I’m the best qualified to win,” Biden told reporters at the NATO summit. But as soon as he finished speaking, he suffered yet another Democratic defection — from senior House Democrat Jim Himes — that showed that much of his divided, anxious party doesn’t believe him. Other lawmakers followed before the night was over.

The president is therefore at another fateful moment, teed up by one of his most respected political friends, Nancy Pelosi. The former House speaker, who remains one of the most powerful Democrats, suggested earlier this week that despite Biden’s adamant declaration that he’s in the race for good, the summit’s end should usher in new reflection. CNN reported Thursday evening that Pelosi and former President Barack Obama have spoken privately about Biden and the future of his campaign.

Another decisive moment is now at hand, and Biden is