REHOBOTH BEACH, USA (AFP) — US President Joe Biden declared on Friday that he will remain in the presidential race despite increasing dissatisfaction within his Democratic Party and speculation about a potential withdrawal as early as this weekend.
“The stakes are high and the choice is clear: together, we will prevail,” the 81-year-old stated from his quarantine location at his Delaware beach home. Biden, who is recovering from coronavirus, expressed his anticipation of returning to the campaign trail next week.
However, Biden faces significant political challenges. Ten House Democrats and two Senate Democrats have publicly urged him to drop out of the November race against Donald Trump. Biden’s poor debate performance with Trump three weeks ago raised concerns about his age and health, leading over 30 House Democrats and four senators to call for his withdrawal.
Prominent Democratic donor Michael Moritz and actor George Clooney have also urged Biden to step down. “Unfortunately, President Biden has only one choice to make: vanity or virtue,” Moritz told The New York Times.
Reports indicate that some senior Democratic Party officials and members of Biden’s family are considering the implications of a campaign withdrawal, though no final decision has been made. Vice President Kamala Harris, seen as the leading candidate to succeed Biden if he withdraws, held an emergency call with donors on Friday.
The Biden campaign refuted the withdrawal rumors, asserting that Biden remains committed to defeating Trump. Campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon affirmed on MSNBC’s Morning Joe that “Joe Biden is more committed than ever to defeating Donald Trump.”
Biden criticized Trump’s speech at the Republican National Convention, asserting that “Donald Trump’s bleak vision of the future is not who we are as Americans.”
Internal pressure on Biden has escalated, with influential figures such as former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reportedly expressing concerns. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries acknowledged the challenges but remained non-committal about Biden’s future.
Speculation mounts about Biden’s plans, with media reports suggesting that he may spend the weekend deliberating with his family. NBC suggests a potential “carefully calculated plan” for Biden to step down on his terms, preserving dignity in his decision not to run.
Biden, who defeated Trump in 2020 to become the oldest president in US history, now faces a tight race. Polls indicate Harris trailing Trump in the 2024 election, though some show her as more competitive.
Key Points:
- Biden insists on remaining in the race despite internal Democratic opposition.
- Prominent figures and donors urge Biden to step down.
- Speculation about Biden’s withdrawal grows, with potential plans being discussed.
- Biden’s campaign denies withdrawal rumors, emphasizing his commitment to defeat Trump.
- The Democratic Party faces challenges and uncertainty regarding the 2024 election.
REHOBOTH BEACH, USA (AFP) — US President Joe Biden declared on Friday that he will remain in the presidential race despite increasing dissatisfaction within his Democratic Party and speculation about a potential withdrawal as early as this weekend.
“The stakes are high and the choice is clear: together, we will prevail,” the 81-year-old stated from his quarantine location at his Delaware beach home. Biden, who is recovering from coronavirus, expressed his anticipation of returning to the campaign trail next week.
However, Biden faces significant political challenges. Ten House Democrats and two Senate Democrats have publicly urged him to drop out of the November race against Donald Trump. Biden’s poor debate performance with Trump three weeks ago raised concerns about his age and health, leading over 30 House Democrats and four senators to call for his withdrawal.
Prominent Democratic donor Michael Moritz and actor George Clooney have also urged Biden to step down. “Unfortunately, President Biden has only one choice to make: vanity or virtue,” Moritz told The New York Times.
Reports indicate that some senior Democratic Party officials and members of Biden’s family are considering the implications of a campaign withdrawal, though no final decision has been made. Vice President Kamala Harris, seen as the leading candidate to succeed Biden if he withdraws, held an emergency call with donors on Friday.
The Biden campaign refuted the withdrawal rumors, asserting that Biden remains committed to defeating Trump. Campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon affirmed on MSNBC’s Morning Joe that “Joe Biden is more committed than ever to defeating Donald Trump.”
Biden criticized Trump’s speech at the Republican National Convention, asserting that “Donald Trump’s bleak vision of the future is not who we are as Americans.”
Internal pressure on Biden has escalated, with influential figures such as former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reportedly expressing concerns. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries acknowledged the challenges but remained non-committal about Biden’s future.
Speculation mounts about Biden’s plans, with media reports suggesting that he may spend the weekend deliberating with his family. NBC suggests a potential “carefully calculated plan” for Biden to step down on his terms, preserving dignity in his decision not to run.
Biden, who defeated Trump in 2020 to become the oldest president in US history, now faces a tight race. Polls indicate Harris trailing Trump in the 2024 election, though some show her as more competitive.
Key Points:
- Biden insists on remaining in the race despite internal Democratic opposition.
- Prominent figures and donors urge Biden to step down.
- Speculation about Biden’s withdrawal grows, with potential plans being discussed.
- Biden’s campaign denies withdrawal rumors, emphasizing his commitment to defeat Trump.
- The Democratic Party faces challenges and uncertainty regarding the 2024 election.
