Joe Biden Contemplates Withdrawal From Presidential Bid Amid Pressure from Democrats

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/19th July 2024

In the wake of mounting pressure from top Democratic figures, President Joe Biden is contemplating whether to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. A definitive decision is anticipated by this weekend, as reports indicate Biden is deeply reflecting on his future in the campaign.

The growing chorus for Biden to reconsider his candidacy has been fueled by influential Democrats, including former President Barack Obama and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Their concerns were amplified following Biden’s underwhelming debate performance against Republican nominee Donald Trump. Sources close to the situation reveal that Biden is engaged in serious soul-searching, acknowledging the weight of the decision before him.

Currently, the 81-year-old President is in quarantine at his Delaware home, recovering from a COVID-19 infection. During this period, Biden is reportedly taking time to evaluate his prospects for the upcoming election. Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, a close ally of Biden, mentioned that the President would be “resting and reflecting” over the weekend as he recuperates.

According to the Associated Press, Obama has advised that Biden must assess the viability of his campaign. Despite this, Obama has emphasized that the final choice rests with Biden himself. Pelosi, on the other hand, has expressed skepticism about Biden’s ability to overcome Trump in the general election, suggesting that it may be possible to persuade him to step down soon.

The pressure on Biden is also coming from within the ranks of Democratic Senators and Governors, some of whom have openly urged him to withdraw. A report by the New York Times highlighted that Biden is starting to recognize the possibility of a difficult election outcome. The report suggests that Biden might soon endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.

Leaders such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have reportedly warned Biden that his continued candidacy could jeopardize Democratic efforts to regain control of the House and maintain the White House. While Senator John Hickenlooper acknowledged Biden’s commitment to doing what is best for the country, he refrained from explicitly calling for his withdrawal.

Despite the growing calls for his exit, Biden has publicly maintained his intention to stay in the race. He has consistently affirmed his determination to fight until the end, with his campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond dismissing the speculation about his potential withdrawal as “absolutely wrong.” Richmond reinforced that Biden is resolute in his decision to run.

As Biden contemplates his next steps, the Republican presidential nominee is gearing up for the 2024 election. Polls indicate a surge in his support following a recent high-profile event, adding to the stakes of the Democratic decision-making process.

The coming days are likely to be critical in determining whether Biden will continue his campaign or hand over the reins to Harris. As the Democratic Party navigates these internal discussions, the impact on the 2024 presidential race remains a focal point of political discourse.