(WBEN/AP) - President Joe Biden urged his supporters to stay unified during a series of Sunday stops in critical Pennsylvania on Sunday, even as some leading congressional Democrats privately suggested it was time for him to abandon his reelection bid because of intensifying questions about whether he's fit for another term.
Addressing a rousing church service in front of stained glass windows bathed in sunshine at Philadelphia's Mount Airy Church of God in Christ, the 81-year-old Biden joked, "I know I look 40" but "I've been doing this a long time."
"I, honest to God, have never been more optimistic about America's future if we stick together," he said.
During appearances on WBEN's Hardline Sunday, political strategists were far from optimistic about Biden's situation and certainly didn't speak of unity within the Democratic Party.
Leading up to Friday's ABC News interview with Biden, political insider Jack O'Donnell told WBEN he was shocked at the fact that Biden's confidants and party leaders were secluded and quiet following Biden's questionable debate performance.
"They kind of let this continue to play out in a way that just seems like political malpractice," O'Donnell said.
As for Biden's performance during the ABC interview, O'Donnell says it wasn't terrible, but wasn't very good.
"I'd give is a C- or a D+. It left a lot to be desired," he said.
So, now what? Will Biden decide to step aside? And, if not, can anyone convince him to do so?
Political strategist Carl Calabrese tells WBEN the only way he sees Biden stepping aside, is with intense and irreversible political pressure.
"I think in order for him to withdraw, not only is he going to have the media turn against him, but he's going to have to have his party at the grass roots level, members of the House of Representatives and the Senate turn against him," Calabrese said. "And in mass and in public, call for his not running again."
Calabrese also says pressure will mount quickly if members of the House and Senate who are up for reelection begin to realize Biden is a drag on their efforts.
"That's when you'll see a mass movement of party officials saying, 'It's time, Mr. President,'" Calabrese said.
O'Donnell sees another more personal way that Biden may make the decision to step aside.
"I think the only person who's going to convince Joe Biden to change his mind is Jill Biden," O'Donnell stated.
The clock is ticking, and only time will tell what happens next.
