By President Joe Biden’s administration is firmly denying reports that he has begun to acknowledge to close allies the possibility of dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. These denials come in the wake of growing calls for Biden to step aside following his widely criticized debate performance against former President Donald Trump.
The New York Times reported Wednesday that Biden had told an ally he might have to withdraw from the race if his upcoming ABC News interview and campaign stops in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania don’t go well. This report marks the first indication that Biden might be considering ending his re-election bid, despite previous vows to stay in the race.
White House Press Secretary Andrew Bates quickly dismissed the report as “absolutely false,” criticizing The New York Times for giving the White House only “7 minutes” to respond to the claim.
The speculation about Biden’s political future comes as the President faces mounting pressure from within his own party. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) became the first sitting Democrat to publicly call for Biden to step aside, predicting that his debate performance could hand Trump another term.
Even staunch Biden allies have expressed concerns. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested both Biden and Trump should take cognitive exams, while Rep. James Clyburn, whose 2020 endorsement was crucial for Biden, acknowledged the possibility of the party replacing Biden with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Biden’s campaign and the White House have been on the defensive, insisting that the President’s debate performance was an anomaly and that he remains fit to serve. Biden himself has made light of the situation, joking to donors about almost falling asleep on stage due to his grueling travel schedule.
As the situation unfolds, Biden is set to meet with Democratic governors at the White House, some of whom have urged him to be more transparent about his health and do more to reassure the public about his ability to continue the campaign.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Biden’s campaign, with his performance in upcoming interviews and campaign stops likely to be closely scrutinized. As the Democratic Party grapples with these concerns, the 2024 presidential race continues to be a topic of intense speculation and debate.
Credit: Forbes.com
