As members of Congress reconvene in Washington and global leaders gather for the NATO summit, the future of President Joe Biden’s campaign hinges precariously on the resolve—or lack thereof—of his critics within his own party.

Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.), a staunch Biden ally, dismissed internal dissent with bluntness, declaring that Biden skeptics “need to get a spine or grow a set—one or the other.” Yet, for Biden’s presidency, the greater risk lies in those doubters finding their voice, rather than remaining in muted frustration. A decisive call for change from influential Democrats could unravel Biden’s re-election bid. For now, however, his survival relies on the hesitation and timidity of his detractors.

This internal conflict among Democrats reflects a growing divide. Party leaders, caught between private concerns and public loyalty, find themselves teetering on a political ledge. Discussions have intensified, but bold, public declarations against Biden remain elusive. For many, the fear of acting alone or prematurely outweighs their doubts about Biden’s viability as a candidate.

Two pivotal gatherings signal the high stakes at play. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is convening top Democrats to discuss the situation, while Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.), a quiet skeptic, is organizing like-minded senators to explore alternatives. Yet, despite growing whispers, few have dared to challenge Biden directly or publicly.

Ironically, the Democratic Party’s current dynamics bear a striking resemblance to Republican behavior during the rise of Donald Trump. Much like the GOP establishment of 2016, Democrats now privately lament their leadership while hesitating to openly confront it. For Republicans, the fear of alienating Trump’s base kept dissenters in check. For Democrats, the uncertainty of life after Biden, coupled with the ever-looming specter of Trump, creates a similar paralysis.

Polls indicate that many Democratic voters share concerns about Biden’s age and stamina. Yet public criticism remains muted, as members of Congress fear backlash from their base or responsibility for the fallout should Biden step aside and the party falters. As one House Democrat in a battleground district noted, “Not a single in-district person encouraged me to get out there and encourage him to step aside. They are pissed at Dems who are stirring the pot.”

Biden’s candidacy also symbolizes the erosion of political norms in the Trump era. His age and health—issues once considered disqualifying—are now points of contention rather than decisive factors. When pressed in an interview with George Stephanopoulos about undergoing a full neurological exam, Biden’s response—“No one said I had to”—was as deflective as Trump’s own history of evading medical transparency.

Biden’s insistence on his “special destiny” to defeat Trump mirrors Trump’s own claims of singular leadership. Both men embody a political era where traditional standards of decorum and capability have been replaced by narratives of resilience and personal conviction.

For Democrats, the path forward is fraught with risk. A decisive intervention to replace Biden could stabilize the party or plunge it into chaos, especially if Trump capitalizes on the upheaval. Meanwhile, Biden’s determination to stay the course underscores his belief in his ability to replicate his 2020 victory, even as critics and allies alike express private doubts.

This moment of internal reckoning is as much about the broader state of American politics as it is about Biden himself. As Senator Fetterman’s remarks—and their lack of shock value—illustrate, the era of stark language and diminished norms is far from over. For Democrats, the challenge is not just about whether to act, but whether they can rise to the moment without mirroring the polarization they aim to oppose.

In a political landscape shaped by uncertainty and division, Biden’s skeptics face a critical decision: to act boldly or remain in the shadows of doubt. Whatever path they choose will shape not only the fate of their party but the nation’s future as well.