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Biden Writes To House Democrats, Saying He’s Not Quitting Race

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 18: U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the COVID-19 response and the vaccination program in the East Room of the White House on August 18, 2021 in Washington, DC. During his remarks, President Biden announced that he is ordering the United States Department of Health and Human Services to require nursing homes to have vaccinated staff in order for them to receive Medicare and Medicaid funding. The President also announced that Americans would be able to receive a third booster shot against Covid-19. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

In a letter to Capitol Hill Democrats, President Joe Biden (D) wrote that he is committed to staying in the election and beating former President Donald Trump.

The Monday letter, which will arrive as lawmakers return from recess, was sent in an attempt to dispute claims within the Democratic party that Biden is no longer a viable presidential candidate and should step down and allow a new candidate.

In the letter, Biden wrote, “I am firmly committed to staying in this race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump.”

Biden also stated that he was running because he was best suited to beat Trump.

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“I wouldn’t be running again if I did not absolutely believe I was the best person to defeat Donald Trump in 2024.”

This letter came less than 24 hours after four House Democrats privately encouraged Biden to step down from the candidacy. Five Democrats have also publicly urged Biden to end his candidacy, including Reps. Mike Quigley (D-Illinois), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Raúl Grijalva (D-Arizona), Seth Moulton (D-Massachusetts) and Angie Craig (D-Minnesota).

Other party leaders have admonished the party for not supporting Biden, including Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-New York), who wrote in a statement, “Weakening a weakened nominee seems like a losing strategy for a presidential election.”

The Democratic National Convention will take place in Chicago and start on August 19. The party is aiming to appear united before then.

The letter also said that Biden believes that they have the tools they need to win, writing, “My fellow Democrats – we have the record, the vision, and the fundamental commitment to America’s freedoms and our Democracy to win.”

Biden continued by discussing the unification of the Democratic party, writing, “Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us. It’s time to come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump.”

Hannah Molayal