Biden Resumes Campaign, Calls JD Vance A 'Clone Of Trump On Issues'

US President Joe Biden has labelled Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, recently chosen as GOP nominee Donald Trump's vice-presidential pick, as a "clone of Trump on the issues." Speaking to reporters at Andrews Air Force Base before heading to Nevada for campaign events, Biden remarked, "I don't see any difference."

Before departing for Nevada, Biden was interviewed by Lester Holt of NBC News. This interview, scheduled to air Monday evening, was part of Biden's strategy to demonstrate his capability for office following concerns raised by Democrats after his poor debate performance on June 27.

Campaign Adjustments and Reactions

The Biden campaign adjusted its plans following the assassination attempt on Trump. They paused advertising and cancelled Biden's planned visit to the Lyndon B. Johnson library where he was set to speak on civil rights. The timeline for resuming campaign ads remains uncertain.

Despite these changes, Biden continued with his Nevada schedule, including speeches to the NAACP and UnidosUS, a Latino civil rights group. He is also set to headline a "campaign community event" in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Hours before the NBC interview, Biden's campaign released a strong statement criticising Trump's choice of Vance as his running mate. The statement accused Vance of enabling Trump's extreme agenda.

Democratic Concerns and Internal Discussions

Biden's renewed campaigning comes amid internal Democratic debates about whether he should continue in the race. Despite some frustration and scepticism from Democratic lawmakers, no calls for him to step aside have emerged since the shooting at Trump's rally.

Rep. Jared Huffman of California shared that he asked Biden during a meeting with the Congressional Progressive Caucus about considering other options if the race trajectory didn't improve. Huffman noted that Biden disagreed with the notion that they were on a losing path.

Several Democrats expressed doubts about successfully pressuring Biden not to run, especially since many lawmakers are away from Washington until next week. These individuals requested anonymity to discuss private conversations.

Biden's Commitment and Future Plans

Biden has made it clear that he remains in the race and will continue campaigning. "I'll be travelling this week, making the case for our record and vision," he said during his Oval Office remarks on Sunday night. He emphasised standing up for democracy and the rule of law.

Many Democrats had hoped congressional leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer would voice concerns directly to Biden. Jeffries met with Biden at the White House on Thursday night, while Schumer visited him in Delaware just before the assassination attempt on Trump.

Despite ongoing concerns about Biden's ability to lead, there is a sense that pressure to find another candidate might increase when lawmakers return to Washington. Democrats are closely watching both the Republican National Convention and Biden's appearances this week for any shifts in dynamics.

Biden's campaign chairwoman Jen O'Malley Dillon stated, "Over the next three and a half months, we will spend every single day making the case between two starkly contrasting visions Americans will choose between at the ballot box this November."

Biden acknowledged that his candidacy would be under attack at the Republican National Convention but sees no need to halt his campaign entirely while under scrutiny in Milwaukee. However, they plan to proceed cautiously following the shooting incident at Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The attempt on Trump's life has temporarily stalled some momentum among Democrats urging Biden to step aside. However, it remains unclear if this event will significantly impact their efforts moving forward.

Biden's team continues to operate under the assumption that he will stay in the race despite internal party debates. His aides have been working diligently to support his candidacy amidst these challenges.