Amid a recent Covid-19 diagnosis and increasing concerns from his own party, speculation is growing that President Joe Biden might reconsider his bid for re-election in 2024.
According to a report by the Washington Post, former President Barack Obama has expressed to his allies that Biden’s chances of winning have “greatly diminished.” Adding to the pressure, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has conveyed to Biden in a phone call that the Democratic Party’s chances of winning could be jeopardized if he doesn’t step down, as reported by the Associated Press.
In an anonymous interview with the New York Times, several of Biden’s closest aides suggested that the President might be yielding to the demands of his fellow Democrats. They indicated that it would not be surprising if Biden announced Kamala Harris as the new presidential candidate. Currently, President Biden is isolating at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, following his Covid-19 diagnosis on Wednesday.
The Biden For President campaign has scheduled an all-staff meeting for Friday, July 19, according to Reuters. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the campaign’s difficulty in raising funds.
Senator John Hickenlooper, a former presidential contender, told Reuters that Biden is considering a decision that will be in the best interest of the country. On Thursday, Montana Senator Jon Tester became the second Democrat to publicly urge Biden to step down, stating, “I believe President Biden should not seek re-election to another term.”
Biden’s close ally and campaign co-chair, Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, emphasized to the Associated Press that Biden should be allowed to have important conversations with Democratic leaders without the distraction of leaks and press statements. Despite reports suggesting Biden might be reconsidering his candidacy, his deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks asserted, “He is not wavering on anything.”
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