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... Why it matters: The private pronouncements add to public calls from five House Democrats and concerns raised by many others in Biden's orbit about the 81-year-old president's mental acuity and ability to defeat former President Trump.

- - - "People are upset and think he's got to step down," said one senior Democratic lawmaker, who, like others, spoke to Axios on the condition of anonymity to describe a private session.

What we're hearing: Multiple Democrats who lead House committees said on the 2 p.m. call, led by Jeffries, that Biden should drop out, one senior House Democrat told Axios.

- - - Those Democrats: Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Mark Takano (D-Calif.), the ranking members of the Judiciary, House Administration, Armed Services and Veterans Affairs panels, respectively, the lawmaker said.

- - - One of the lawmakers who described the call to Axios said those four were "among many others" who raised concerns about Biden, estimating that "at least half" voiced apprehensions.

- - - Punchbowl News was first to report the details of the call. ...