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As lawmakers head back to Washington today after their one-week recess, President Joe Biden is issuing a stern warning: I'm not going anywhere, time to pipe down.
In a letter to Democrats in both chambers, Biden struck a defiant tone, even as he acknowledged "good faith fears and worries about what is at stake in this election."
"The question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now," Biden wrote. "And it's time for it to end."
Five House Democrats have publicly called for Biden to drop out, and more are likely to do so this week.
Biden argued that Democratic voters spoke "clearly and decisively" during this year's presidential primary, noting that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dropped out of the primaries to become an independent, while Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota "attacked me for being too old" but "was soundly defeated" in the primary.
Much of the letter reiterates Biden's record as president while highlighting the threat Democrats see from Donald Trump and "MAGA Republicans."
Here's the full letter Biden sent on Monday morning:
According to several media reports, several high-ranking House Democrats — including Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, Mark Takano of California, Adam Smith of Washington, and Joe Morelle of New York — said that Biden should step aside during a private call with colleagues on Sunday.
Most lawmakers have been able to avoid questions about Biden's viability in the days since his disastrous debate performance. House Democrats largely dodged questions the following day, while senators have not been in session since before the debate.
