President Joe Biden is reportedly contemplating withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race as early as this weekend, casting uncertainty over the future of his campaign. According to multiple sources, Biden has been in discussions with close allies, weighing the growing concerns about his age and overall performance.
Despite his initial defiance, recent developments suggest Biden is taking the calls for his withdrawal seriously. A dozen Democratic lawmakers have publicly urged him to step aside, reflecting a broader sentiment within the party.
BREAKING NEWS 🚨 New York Times sources just reported that Biden is beginning to consider dropping out of the race.
It is being reported that several people close to President Biden said today they believe he has “begun to accept the idea that he may not be able to win.” pic.twitter.com/nA5aMvCNwJ— Milton Todd Ault III (@ToddAultIII) July 18, 2024
A poll conducted by The Washington Post, ABC News, and Ipsos found that 56% of Democratic voters now believe Biden should drop out of the race.
Insiders indicate Biden's decision is influenced by concerns over his health and the intense scrutiny following his recent debate performance against former President Donald Trump. In an interview, Biden mentioned he might leave the race if a medical condition emerged, underscoring the weight of his current deliberations.
BREAKING: Biden dropping out of race to focus on bigger things 👍 pic.twitter.com/KsjWKCthnl
— monkeyhaircut 👍 (@monkhairsol) July 19, 2024
The speculation about Biden's potential exit has been fueled by high-profile voices like actor George Clooney, who has publicly called for the president to step aside. Clooney's op-ed highlighted concerns over Biden's age and effectiveness, adding to the pressure from within Democratic ranks.
Biden's possible withdrawal raises significant questions about the future leadership of the Democratic Party. Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are among the names being floated as potential candidates to replace him.
The president's wavering stance has led to uncertainty among his supporters and the broader electorate. Should Biden decide to step down, it could trigger a rapid and intense primary race, reshaping the political landscape ahead of the 2024 election.
While Biden has not made an official announcement, the weekend could mark a pivotal moment in his political career. The potential withdrawal underscores the growing concerns about his capacity to lead and the desire within the party for a new direction.