South Carolina Representative James Clyburn has voiced his endorsement for US President Joe Biden's pursuit of a second term, providing a significant boost to the president amidst mounting calls for him to step down following a lackluster debate performance that raised concerns about his age. In a recent television interview, Clyburn, a trusted confidant of Biden and a pivotal figure in his triumph in the 2020 presidential primaries, emphasized that any speculation about the president's ability to run for re-election should cease. "The dialogue should center on this administration's track record, on the alternatives to his candidacy, and allow Joe Biden to independently make decisions regarding his future," affirmed Clyburn, a revered influencer within the Black voter demographic, a crucial constituency of the Democratic Party. Clyburn underscored his commitment to affording Biden the respect he has rightfully earned. Additionally, Clyburn highlighted that Vice President Kamala Harris, perceived as a probable successor to Biden if he were to step down, would have his unwavering backing if she were to become the party's nominee. On the other hand, another Democratic lawmaker urged Biden to relinquish his position and enable the party to select a substitute candidate, bringing the total count of such calls to 18. "Kindly pass the torch to one of our numerous capable Democratic leaders to maximize our chances of defeating Donald Trump," wrote Representative Brittany Pettersen, one of the lawmakers advocating for Biden's replacement, on a social media platform. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a prominent party figure, conveyed his insights and recommendations regarding the way forward in a meeting with Biden, as outlined in a letter addressed to colleagues. While concerns regarding Biden's age and fitness for re-election have long been prevalent among voters, the president has remained resolute in his decision to seek a second term in office. Despite the polarized nature of US voters along ideological lines, polls indicate a tight race. Party members were initially hesitant to contest Biden's re-election bid until a disastrous debate performance against Trump, where the president appeared fatigued and confused. Biden's recent news conference generated mixed reactions among supporters and skeptics. Although Biden provided comprehensive analyses of global issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Israel's actions in Gaza, he also made notable verbal slips during the conference, referring to Vice President Harris as "Vice President Trump" and misidentifying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "President Putin," eliciting surprise from attendees.