Quick Hit:

President Biden is intensifying his campaign efforts, declaring "Dark Brandon" is back, even as senior House Democrats privately urge him to withdraw from the 2024 race following his weak debate performance.

Key Details:

• Four senior House Democrats urged Biden to step aside during a private call on Sunday.
• Reps. Jerry Nadler, Mark Takano, Joe Morelle, and Adam Smith voiced support for a change at the top of the Democratic ticket.
• Biden insists on staying in the race despite growing concerns about his performance and vigor.
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Diving Deeper:

President Joe Biden is intensifying his campaign efforts, confidently declaring "Dark Brandon is back," despite facing mounting pressure from senior Democrats to step aside from the 2024 presidential race. This follows his underwhelming debate performance last month, which raised concerns about his ability to lead.

On a private call Sunday afternoon, four senior House Democrats, including Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.), and Adam Smith (D-Wash.), urged Biden to withdraw from the race. These lawmakers, all ranking members of key House committees, expressed a need for a change at the top of the Democratic ticket, sources told The Hill. This sentiment echoes that of five other Democratic lawmakers who have publicly called for Biden to step aside.

Despite this internal pressure, Biden remains steadfast. "Let me say this as clearly as I can: I’m the sitting President of the United States. I’m the nominee of the Democratic party. I’m staying in the race," Biden wrote on the social platform X on Friday.

Biden's campaign stops in Pennsylvania on Sunday were aimed at energizing his base and countering concerns about his age and vigor. Jokingly referencing the "Dark Brandon" meme, he assured supporters in Harrisburg that he is still in the fight. "Dark Brandon is coming back," he quipped, aiming to rally his supporters.

While Biden's campaign events have drawn significant crowds, including strong support from Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), some Democrats remain unconvinced. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) noted on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that Biden’s debate performance has "rightfully raised questions" about his capability to defeat Donald Trump.

Despite the calls for his withdrawal, senior Democrats like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) have publicly supported Biden's decision to stay in the race. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi also expressed confidence in Biden, though she acknowledged it is "legitimate" to question the president's and Trump's abilities, given their age.

Biden continues to downplay criticism from within his party, emphasizing his campaign's strong turnout and support. "We’ve been drawing big crowds. Ever since the debate, not joking, even that night we had big crowds afterwards," he said. Biden remains optimistic about America's future, urging unity and resilience among his supporters.

As discussions about Biden’s campaign continue among House Democrats, the pressure mounts. However, Biden's resolve to stay in the race seems unshaken, setting the stage for a contentious and closely watched primary season.