(NewsNation) — Joe Biden is going on offense Friday in Michigan following his solo news conference Thursday, which failed to quiet calls for him to step down.
Friday begins a critical stretch for Biden, with his campaign believing the president’s major path to victory runs through what’s called the proverbial “blue wall.”
That would be Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan. Notwithstanding a cacophony of noise surrounding his candidacy for president, Biden remains insistent that he’s not going anywhere.
What has Biden said about his future?
Speaking Thursday during a a solo news conference that featured some gaffes, Biden was able to make clear that he has no desire or intention to step aside.
Biden told reporters his decision to remain in the 2024 presidential race has nothing to do with his “legacy.”
“I’m in this to complete the job I started,” Biden said when asked how he’d feel about his legacy if former President Donald Trump is reelected.
“I think I’m the most qualified person to run for president. I beat him once, and I will beat him again,” Biden added.
Dems who have called for new leader
At the time of writing, there have been 17 Democrats who have publicly urged Biden to step aside, citing concerns about his ability to win reelection and serve another four years.
Hillary Scholten, D-Mich., said Thursday on X that it is “time to pass the torch.”
“With the challenges facing our country in 2025 and beyond, it is essential that we have the strongest possible candidate,” Scholten said.
“Joe Biden has been that leader for so long, but this is not about the past, it’s about the future. It’s time to pass the torch.”
How are Democrat supporters reacting?
NewsNation spoke to Michigan supporters of the Democratic Party and asked for their opinion as to whether Biden should stay in the race.
While there are polls showing some believe Biden is unfit to continue, those on the ground in Detroit largely remained firm in their support.
“I’m concerned, but the alternative is not questionable,” a Democrat supporter named Larry told NewsNation.
“I would vote for a dead squirrel before I would vote for Donald Trump,” he added.
Evelyn Abrams Terry, another passionate Democrat, believes Biden must remain given the gravity of November’s election.
“I absolutely do not think President Biden should step aside,” she said. “There is too much at stake in America for him to even think that way.”