In a series of candid discussions with key Democratic Party allies, former US President Barack Obama has expressed significant concerns about President Joe Biden’s chances of securing a second term in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. According to multiple American media reports published on Thursday, Obama believes Biden’s path to victory has greatly diminished and has urged a careful consideration of the viability of his candidacy.
Obama’s interactions with Biden have been limited, with the former president speaking to Biden only once since the debate. In his conversations with other Democrats, Obama has emphasized that the ultimate decision regarding the future of Biden’s candidacy rests with the president himself. His primary concern, as he has stressed, is to protect Biden and his legacy, and he has rejected the notion that he can single-handedly influence Biden’s decision-making process.
High-Profile Calls for Withdrawal
Several prominent Democrats have echoed Obama’s concerns more openly, urging President Biden to withdraw from his re-election campaign. US Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are among those expressing doubts about Biden’s ability to defeat Republican challenger Donald Trump.
In a meeting on Saturday, Schumer reportedly told Biden that stepping down would be in the best interest of the country and the Democratic Party, as reported by ABC News on Wednesday. Similarly, US House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has conveyed his concerns directly to Biden, as per a source familiar with their conversation.
Pelosi has also voiced her apprehensions, informing Biden that polling data indicates he may not be able to defeat Trump, which could jeopardize the Democrats’ chances of regaining control of the House of Representatives. According to CNN, Pelosi discussed these concerns in a recent telephone call with Biden, although sources did not indicate she explicitly urged him to exit the race. A Pelosi spokesperson clarified that she has not spoken to Biden since Friday.
Growing Chorus of Democratic Voices
The call for Biden to reconsider his candidacy has gained momentum among congressional Democrats. Democratic US Congressman Adam Schiff became the 20th congressional Democrat to publicly urge Biden to drop out of the race. Schiff, a significant figure in the party and a key ally in the legislature, praised Biden’s contributions but expressed doubts about his ability to defeat Trump, whom he described as a threat to democracy. Schiff’s influence stems from his tenure as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and his role as lead prosecutor during Trump’s first impeachment trial.
Official Responses and White House Stance
In response to the reports of Schumer’s meeting with Biden, Schumer’s office labeled the speculation as “idle” and stated that he had conveyed his caucus’s views directly to the president. Jeffries’ office has not commented on the matter.
White House spokesman Andrew Bates issued a statement reaffirming Biden’s commitment to his candidacy. “The President told both leaders he is the nominee of the party, he plans to win, and looks forward to working with both of them to pass his 100 days agenda to help working families,” Bates said.
Concerns Following Debate Performance
Concerns about the 81-year-old incumbent’s ability to lead were amplified following Biden’s June 27 debate performance, where he appeared fatigued and confused. Biden attributed his performance to a bad cold and jet lag and has so far refused to withdraw from the race.
As the Democratic Party grapples with the uncertainties surrounding Biden’s re-election bid, the internal debate over the party’s future direction and leadership continues to unfold, with significant implications for the 2024 election.
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