Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) have successfully lobbied the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to postpone the nomination vote for President Joe Biden. According to Axios, this move allows more time for lawmakers to discuss their reservations about Biden’s candidacy.

The DNC announced that it will delay the virtual roll-call vote until the first week of August, instead of mid-July as originally planned. The national convention is still set for August 19-22 in Chicago. This delay provides additional time for addressing the concerns of lawmakers and party members who are worried about Biden’s ability to effectively compete against former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election.

Biden, 81, has come under fire following a poor debate performance and subsequent shaky public appearances. Concerns about his mental and physical fitness have been raised by several prominent Democrats, including Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), influential donors, and progressive media outlets.

The initial plan was to confirm Biden’s nomination via a virtual vote before the national convention due to an August 7 deadline for presidential candidates in Ohio. However, Ohio lawmakers extended the deadline to September 1, allowing the DNC to adjust its timeline.

Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN), co-chair of the DNC rules committee, conveyed the decision to Biden’s campaign manager, Jen O’Malley Dillon. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA), who led the efforts to delay the nomination process, welcomed the change, stating it was “a positive step,” though he noted it might not fully resolve the issues surrounding Biden’s candidacy.

“It’s a heck of a lot better than a jammed process that will tear us apart next week,” Huffman said. The delay aims to prevent a rushed and potentially divisive nomination process, giving the party more time to deliberate on Biden’s candidacy and address any concerns comprehensively.