Amid a COVID-19 diagnosis and growing concerns about his Democratic candidacy, U.S. President Joe Biden may reconsider running for president.
While Biden has faced pressure from allies to step down, former President Barack Obama has also told allies he believes Biden’s path to victory has “significantly narrowed.” The Washington Post Meanwhile, House Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi reportedly explained to Biden in a phone call the Democrats could face losses if he doesn’t step down, The Associated Press reported.
In an anonymous interview The New York TimesSome of Biden’s aides say he may be accommodating to uneasy demands from other Democrats, and they say it wouldn’t be a surprise if Biden chooses to announce Kamala Harris as his new running mate.
President Biden was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Wednesday and is currently isolating at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. According to Reuters, Biden’s campaign has called an all-staff meeting for Friday, July 19. The campaign is also reportedly struggling to raise funds.
Senator John Hickenlooper, who competed against Biden for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, told Reuters that Biden was committed to ensuring that his decision on whether to stay in the race was good for the country.
Late Thursday, Montana Sen. Jon Tester became the second Democrat to denounce Biden’s resignation. “I do not believe President Biden should seek reelection for another term,” he said. “I worked with President Biden when Montana was strong, and I have never been afraid to stand up for him when he’s wrong,” Tester said in a statement. “And while I appreciate his public service and commitment to our country, I do not believe President Biden should seek reelection for another term,” he added.
As further uncertainty swirled, Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, Biden’s closest ally in Congress and co-chair of his campaign, told The Associated Press that “President Biden deserves the respect to have important conversations as a family with his colleagues in the House, the Senate and Democratic leadership, not have to contend with leaks and press statements.”
Asked about reports that Biden might be softening his thoughts about quitting the race, deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks insisted “he’s not fazed by anything.”
