JUST IN: Axios Reports ‘Deluge’ of Democratic Lawmakers to Call For Biden to Drop Out

Axios reported on Thursday that President Joe Biden is set to be hit with a “flood of statements” from House Democrats urging him to drop his reelection campaign.

Axios congressional reporter Andrew Solender cited more than half a dozen lawmakers in his report suggesting that the calls for Biden to drop out will be coming regardless of whether his NATO press conference does well or not. One lawmaker said “many” colleagues have already decided to release statements telling Biden to drop out.

“Maybe the press conference will have an effect, but I’m not sure that changes the dynamics of the race,” one anonymous House Democrat said.

Many are reportedly waiting until after that press conference to avoid distracting from the event. A dozen members of Congress have called for Biden to drop from the race, and other prominent Democrats have also thrown their weight behind getting a replacement candidate, including strategist James Carville and filmmakers and activists George Clooney and Michael Moore.

“I’m skeptical there’s going to be any interview, press conference or debate that’s going to put to rest the persistent concerns about the president,” one House Democrat said.

This echoes reporting by Politico that former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has given the green light to Democrats in swing districts to publicly call for Biden to drop out, but asked them to wait until the NATO Summit concludes.

The president has thus far insisted he’s staying in the race and he’s the best chance to beat Donald Trump amid calls for him to step down following his debate performance last month.

In a post-debate interview on Morning Joe by phone, Biden blamed “elites” in his party pushing talk of a replacement candidate. Biden invited others to challenge him at the convention.

“I’m getting so frustrated by the elites… the elites in the party,” he said. “Run against me. Go ahead, announce for president. Challenge me at the convention.”

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