President Joe Biden, currently isolating at his beach house in Delaware after contracting COVID-19, is facing mounting pressure to drop out of the 2024 presidential race.
A Democratic Governor close to his campaign told CNN, “The next 72 hours are big. This can’t go on much longer.”
The pressure has been building since Biden’s disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump three weeks ago.
Calls from within his party for him to step aside in favour of a younger candidate have grown louder. Biden, the 46th president, has appeared increasingly isolated, relying on a small circle of trusted advisers.
By Friday afternoon, more than 30 Democrat lawmakers, including four senators, publicly urged Biden to withdraw.
Influential figures like Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Chuck Schumer have reportedly made similar appeals behind the scenes, concerned about the party’s chances in the upcoming election. More Democrats joined the chorus of opposition.
Despite repeatedly stating in interviews that he has no intention of stepping down, sources suggest that Biden is now “more receptive” to the concerns. Axios has reported that he could announce his decision to drop out as soon as this weekend.
This development comes as Donald Trump, who recently survived an assassination attempt, appears to be gaining strength.
The contrast between the two leaders is stark: while Trump’s resilience has galvanized his base, Biden’s struggle with health and party support has made his position increasingly tenuous.
The situation has left many Democrats anxious. The fear is not just about losing the election, but about the broader implications for the party’s future.
A senior Democratic source expressed the sentiment: “We need a candidate who can unite and energize our base. Right now, that doesn’t seem to be Biden.”
As Biden grapples with these challenges, the coming days are crucial. His decision will significantly impact the Democratic Party’s strategy and morale.
Many hope that a new candidate could reinvigorate the campaign and present a stronger challenge to Trump.
In this time of uncertainty, one thing is clear: the stakes are incredibly high.
The nation watches as Biden navigates personal health battles and political pressures, all while the future of the Democratic Party hangs in the balance.
