News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/18th July 2024
President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign faces new challenges as he battles a COVID-19 infection, leading to a pause in his campaign events. Top Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have reportedly met with Biden individually to express their concerns over his candidacy for the November election. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has privately conveyed her belief that Biden may not be able to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election, according to CNN.
Biden’s bid for a second term has already been troubled by internal dissent within the Democratic Party, especially after a lackluster debate performance against Trump last month. His press secretary announced his COVID-19 diagnosis on Wednesday, noting that the 81-year-old president is experiencing mild symptoms and will isolate at his home in Delaware while continuing to fulfill his presidential duties. Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that Biden is fully vaccinated and boosted, having tested positive for COVID-19 twice before.
Earlier in the day, Biden was seen engaging with supporters in Las Vegas and speaking at an event, only to cancel a subsequent speech at UnidosUS, a Latino civil rights organization. This abrupt halt disrupted what was intended to be a robust return to the campaign trail following the attempted assassination of his rival, Trump. Biden had been working to regain support among Hispanic voters, where his poll numbers have declined since 2020.
During his time in Las Vegas, Biden was seen moving cautiously and slowly up the steps to Air Force One, without a mask. He assured onlookers, “Good, I feel good.” The president also interacted with diners at a Mexican restaurant, taking selfies and shaking hands, despite appearing stiffer and slower than usual.
The president has been under increasing pressure to withdraw from the election race. In their private meetings, Schumer and Jeffries voiced concerns that Biden’s candidacy could jeopardize Democratic control of Congress. White House spokesman Andrew Bates reiterated Biden’s determination to remain the party’s nominee and to work with Democratic leaders to advance his agenda for working families. Spokesmen for Schumer and Jeffries both emphasized the private nature of their conversations with the president, with Schumer’s office dismissing the reports as “idle speculation” while acknowledging that the Democratic leader conveyed his caucus’s views.
CNN reported that Pelosi had also discussed with Biden the potential negative impact his candidacy could have on the Democrats’ chances of winning the House. Biden reportedly defended his position, prompting Pelosi to seek input from one of his long-time advisers.
Over the past few weeks, about two dozen Democratic politicians, including Congressman Adam Schiff, have publicly called for Biden to step aside. Schiff praised Biden’s presidency as highly consequential and suggested that stepping aside could secure his legacy. In a BET interview, Biden expressed reluctance to pass the mantle, citing the nation’s current division. However, he acknowledged for the first time that he would consider withdrawing if his doctors advised him to do so due to a medical condition.
Following his COVID-19 diagnosis, Biden’s doctor, Kevin O’Connor, reported that the president exhibited upper respiratory symptoms and received his first dose of Paxlovid. Despite feeling fine during his initial event of the day, Biden later tested positive. The president took to social media to thank supporters for their well wishes and pledged to continue working for the American people during his recovery. In another tweet, Biden expressed frustration with Elon Musk and wealthy individuals attempting to influence the election, directing followers to a donations portal.
