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President Joe Biden has reportedly become more open to stepping aside as the Democratic presidential candidate, as top Democrats express doubts about his ability to beat former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. While Biden continues to publicly insist that he will be the party’s nominee, recent reports suggest he is privately more willing to hear arguments against his candidacy.
Rising Concerns Among Top Democrats
According to The Guardian, Biden’s newfound receptivity comes after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries conveyed their concerns about his chances in the upcoming election. Schumer and Jeffries reportedly told Biden that stepping aside would be in the country’s best interests, citing recent polling data that shows him trailing Trump in key swing states.
Biden’s openness to these discussions marks a shift from his stance at a press conference during the NATO summit in Washington, where he declared he would only drop out if polling data showed he had no chance of winning. However, recent polls have been unfavorable, with an Emerson College Polling/The Hill survey showing Trump ahead by 45% to 43% in Virginia, a state Biden won by ten points in 2020.
“What Republicans don’t understand, is Joe is one of us. He loves us, and we love him. He will be supported in 2024.” – Anonymous Biden Supporter.
Pressure from Party Leaders and Allies
Forbes reported that some high-profile Democrats believe Biden could drop out as early as this weekend. Sources close to Biden have indicated that the president has been inquiring about Vice President Kamala Harris’ chances against Trump, suggesting a shift in his thinking from “Kamala can’t win” to “Do you think Kamala can win?”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama have also expressed concerns privately, with Pelosi reportedly telling Biden that his continued candidacy could harm the Democrats’ chances of retaking the House. Obama, who has publicly supported Biden, has privately urged him to reconsider his re-election bid, according to The Washington Post.
Biden’s Response and Future Steps
Despite these pressures, Biden has pushed back against negative poll numbers, pointing to surveys that still show he could beat Trump. White House spokesperson Kevin Munoz reiterated that “President Biden is the Democratic nominee and he is going to win this November.”
However, as Rolling Stone noted, Biden’s isolation after testing positive for Covid-19 and his recent debate performance have further fueled doubts about his candidacy. Top Democrats and close friends have urged Biden to consider his legacy and the impact on the party, suggesting that stepping aside could make him “one of history’s heroes.”
As Biden continues to weigh his options, the Democratic Party faces a critical juncture. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Biden remains in the race or steps aside, potentially paving the way for Kamala Harris or another candidate to take the lead. This decision will undoubtedly have significant implications for the 2024 election and the future of the Democratic Party.