President Joe Biden’s campaign has been actively working to maintain Democratic support for the president, with advisers monitoring any criticism from current or former elected officials. Former Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin recently sent a letter to friends suggesting that all incumbent Democratic Senators should ask Biden to release his delegates and step aside for a new candidate to be chosen at the convention.
Harkin emphasized the need for a course correction and a new Democratic ticket that could energize the party and offer an alternative to Trump. Meanwhile, at a fundraising event in New York, former President Barack Obama focused on the importance of party unity and drawing a clear contrast between Democratic and Republican leadership, without addressing calls for Biden to step aside.
The relationship between Obama and Biden, strained in the past by Obama's support for Hillary Clinton in 2015, is facing new challenges. The DNC is set to hold a call with members to discuss Thursday night's debate, DNC updates, and voter mobilization efforts. The call will be led by DNC Chair Jaime Harrison.
