Biden goes on MSNBC and goads Democrats who want to push him aside: 'Challenge me at the convention'

• President Joe Biden repeatedly declared he is not dropping out during a feisty and unexpected interview.

• Biden called into MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Monday morning.

• The president's appearance came as he sought to assure Democrats that he's still their best hope.

President Joe Biden on Monday offered a feisty challenge to Democratic politicians and donors who want him to drop out of the 2024 race.

"I'm getting so frustrated by the elites, now I'm not talking about you guys," Biden said during a call into MSNBC's "Morning Joe." "But by elites in the party, who they know so much more, if any of these guys don't think I should run, run against me. Announce for president. Challenge me at the convention."

The Democratic National Convention is set for next month in Chicago. There is a chance that Democrats formally nominate Biden before then. Democrats could still replace Biden, but doing so without his blessing would be an unprecedented action in modern politics.

Biden has repeatedly declared since his disastrous debate performance that he is not going anywhere. A handful of House Democrats have called for the president to step aside. Some of the party's biggest donors have also questioned whether Biden is still the Democratic Party's best chance to defeat former President Donald Trump.

"The bottom line here is, we're not going anywhere," Biden said. "I'm not going anywhere. I wouldn't be running if I didn't absolutely believe that I am the best candidate to beat Donald Trump in 2024."

Lawmakers will return to Washington later Monday for what is expected to be a critical week for elected officials to consider whether to publicly express their concerns about Biden.

So far, Biden has kept Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and former President Barack Obama in his corner. Potential Biden replacements, including Vice President Kamala Harris, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and others have also reupped their support of the president.

Biden sent a strongly worded letter to Hill Democrats ahead of his appearance on Morning Joe, underlining his reasons for staying in the race.

"The question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now," Biden wrote. "And it's time for it to end."

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