 The leader of the Democrats in the House, Hakeem Jeffries, is reported by US media to be planning an emergency meeting with senior colleagues. If they decide to try to convince him to drop out, the president could be facing a clarion call rather than the current low-key pressure to rethink his position. Donald Trump, meanwhile, has taken to social media to mock Mr Biden, suggesting he should ignore his many critics and move forward with alacrity and strength.