Biden’s Inner Circle Hints At Possible Exit From Presidential Race.
As concerns about his re-election prospects in November mount among some party members, speculation is growing that the president may be reconsidering his candidacy.
There are indications that US President Joe Biden may be considering the possibility of withdrawing from the presidential race, New York Times reports citing people close to the president.
As concerns about his re-election prospects in November mount among some party members, speculation is growing that the president may be reconsidering his candidacy.
Although one source close to the matter stressed that no definitive decision has been made, another insider hinted that the president is coming to terms with the challenging political landscape, potentially paving the way for a withdrawal announcement in the near future.
If so, an endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement might follow.
Several factors appear to have eroded the president’s confidence in his re-election bid, including a scathing statement from former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, unfavourable state polls indicating a tougher path to securing an Electoral College victory, and a boycott by key party donors.
According to a source familiar with the situation, discussions among the president’s advisers have progressed to the point where they are now debating the optimal timing and logistics of a potential announcement should the president decide to forego his second-term aspirations.
While some anticipate an announcement could come within the next few days, the exact timing remains uncertain due in part to the president’s current isolation at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, following a COVID-19 diagnosis.
This report is based on confidential interviews with five individuals who are close to the president, all of whom characterised the situation as highly sensitive and spoke on the condition of anonymity to maintain discretion and avoid potentially offending the president.
Their insights provide a unique perspective on the current state of affairs, which is being handled with utmost care and caution.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, many Democrats beyond the White House inner circle now anticipate that the president will soon reconsider his decision, marking a significant shift from the prevailing sense of hopelessness just days ago.
However, caution is warranted when interpreting signs from a president known for his tight-knit circle of confidants.
On Thursday, additional Democratic defections came to light, including a notable letter from Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, a key member of the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
In the letter, dated July 6 and obtained by The New York Times, Raskin urged the president to consult with fellow Democrats about the wisdom of continuing his campaign, likening the 81-year-old commander in chief to a weary baseball pitcher.
Later that day, Senator Jon Tester of Montana, who faces a challenging re-election bid, publicly expressed his belief that the president should withdraw from the race.
“While I appreciate his commitment to public service and our country,” he told a local Montana outlet, “I believe President Biden should not seek re-election.”
Credit: New York Times.
