In the aftermath of President Joe Biden’s June 27, 2024 debate performance against Donald Trump, a sweeping wave of concern erupted across the Democratic Party. His disjointed and sluggish delivery intensified anxieties over his age and fitness for office, prompting calls from lawmakers, major donors, and media voices urging him to abandon his re election bid.(Globedge)
Lawmakers Raise Concerns
Representative Lloyd Doggett (D TX) became the first sitting Democrat to go public on July 2, 2024, calling for Biden to “do the same” as Lyndon Johnson did in 1968 and withdraw after faltering under pressure.(Al Jazeera) In short order, 31 House Democrats and at least four Democratic senators, including Peter Welch, Adam Smith, Mikie Sherrill, Angie Craig, and Lloyd Doggett, formally joined the chorus.(CBS News)
In mid July, four more senior House Democrats Jerry Nadler, Joe Morelle, Adam Smith, and Mark Takano voiced private pressure during a call with party leadership.(Wikipedia) As of July 19, that tally exceeded 30 public calls for withdrawal.(The Guardian)
Editorials and Media Pressure
Major editorial boards, including those of The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Atlanta Journal Constitution and The New Yorker, urged Biden to step aside, arguing the country needed a more vigorous alternative.(Axios) Cable pundits like James Carville, Van Jones, and David Axelrod chimed in, warning that the debate amplified voters’ fears about Biden’s age.(Wikipedia)
Donor Hesitation & Elite Influence
Silence from major donors quickly turned to frustration. Several wealthy Democratic donors publicly withheld financial support until Biden committed to stepping aside. Celebrity figures like George Clooney authored high profile op eds urging withdrawal, raising infighting about whether such criticism fractured party unity.(TIME)
Behind closed doors, former President Barack Obama privately conveyed concerns about Biden’s electability, while Nancy Pelosi warned Biden that continuing might jeopardize Democratic House control.(AP News)
Internal Debate & Carter’s Show of Support
While many middle and rank and file Democrats called for a shift, party leaders such as former Presidents Obama and Bill Clinton, Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Leader Chuck Schumer, and governors like Gavin Newsom publicly endorsed Biden, framing the debate night as an outlier.(AP News) Nonetheless, elite frustration and grassroots panic accelerated internal deliberations.(Wikipedia, Politico) Withdrawal Decision
Amid escalating internal pressure and a shrinking base of confidence, Biden issued a formal letter on July 21, 2024, announcing his suspension of the re election campaign and endorsing Kamala Harris as his successor.(The Wall Street Journal) According to press reporting, the decision was made ahead of a retreat in Delaware while recovering from COVID‑19.(The Wall Street Journal)
Aftermath & Hunter Biden’s Comments
In mid‑2025, Hunter Biden and Donald Trump provided new insight into the fallout, claiming his father had taken Ambien before the debate, contributing to a foggy appearance. He blamed key Democratic influencers including Clooney, David Axelrod, and several podcasters for undermining his father.(People.com) Hunter described his father’s withdrawal as a “selfless” act meant to unify the party.(The Associated Press)
Summary
Between the June 27, 2024 debate and Biden’s July 21 decision to withdraw:
| Pressure Source | Main Concerns |
|---|---|
| Congressional Democrats | Questioned Biden’s cognitive fitness, urged timely exit |
| Donors & Celebrities | Hesitation to fund campaign, public appeals |
| Editorial/Major Media | Declared candidate uncompetitive, urged change |
| Party Leadership | Private warnings from Obama and Pelosi |
| Media strategists | Highlighted age, health, debate ineptitude |
Ultimately, a critical debate performance triggered cascading calls from inside and outside the party, paving the way for Biden’s July 2024 exit and transition to endorsing Kamala Harris though her campaign later lost to Donald Trump in November.
