On Thursday, President Joe Biden’s reelection prospects seemed to be faltering, as prominent Democratic leaders voiced concerns about his candidacy.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi all advised Biden in separate recent meetings to reconsider running for reelection to avoid a potential loss that could impact the entire party. Schumer, in particular, was reportedly quite critical during his conversation with Biden.
Rep. Adam Schiff, a leading Democratic figure and likely future senator from California, also joined the call for Biden to step aside due to “serious concerns” about his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump.
There is growing optimism among some Democrats that the mounting pressure might be prompting Biden and his close aides to reconsider their position.
However, others believe the leaks about these private conversations signal rising frustration among those advocating for Biden’s exit.
The situation reached a low point for Biden after a series of damaging revelations and a poor debate performance last month. Recent polling shows that 65 percent of Democrats now think Biden should withdraw, challenging his claim that only party elites want him out.
Adding to the difficulties, Biden tested positive for Covid, forcing him to cut short his campaign trip and retreat to his Delaware home.
Despite these setbacks, some Democrats are increasingly considering Vice President Kamala Harris as a possible replacement, though there are concerns about her own vulnerabilities and the uncertainty of her chances in November.
A letter from Rep. Jamie Raskin, comparing Biden to an aging pitcher in need of a break, has also circulated, urging Biden to consider stepping down.
Sen. Chris Coons, a close ally, acknowledged the ongoing discussions about Biden’s future and emphasized the need for respectful, constructive conversations about the party’s path forward.
Biden’s Covid diagnosis has come at a particularly challenging time, contrasting sharply with Donald Trump’s recent unifying nomination after surviving an assassination attempt.
