July 10 (V7N) – Joe Biden, the oldest president in US history, is facing mounting pressure from within his own Democratic Party after a widely criticized performance in the first presidential debate against Republican candidate Donald Trump. Calls for Biden to withdraw from the election race have intensified following his debate defeat.

Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and a senior member of the Democratic Party, declined to comment on whether Biden should withdraw from the race. She stated that it is a personal decision for the President.

In an NBC broadcast on Wednesday, Pelosi expressed reluctance to discuss Biden’s potential withdrawal, emphasizing that Biden is currently focused on the ongoing NATO summit in Washington. She suggested that Biden could consider his election plans after addressing the summit's demands.

Biden's performance in the debate, marked by frequent pauses and stumbles, has drawn criticism and mockery both domestically and internationally. Trump's campaign has capitalized on these moments, further fueling concerns about Biden's fitness for office. Several reports from Washington have raised questions about Biden’s health, and some Democratic leaders are urging him to reconsider his candidacy.

Despite the growing pressure, Biden has remained resolute in his decision to stay in the race. Pelosi’s interview did little to quell the anxiety among Democrats. "We are all encouraging him to make a decision," Pelosi said, stressing the urgency given the upcoming election. She added that Biden is well-respected and needs to make a decision soon.

Pelosi also noted the importance of Biden's role in the NATO summit, which she described as critical. 

In April, Pelosi signed a letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging the cessation of arms supplies to Israel. This followed remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that called for prioritizing Israel's interests in the Middle East, which Pelosi criticized as detrimental to peace efforts.

As the election approaches, the Democratic Party remains divided on how to address the growing concerns about their candidate's viability.