US election campaign - According to the Democrats' criticism: Biden may be considering a retreat
Joe Biden ponders leaving the Presidential race for Democrats, sources tell Reuters. Biden takes the withdrawal demands seriously from Democrats, say close sources to the news agency. Multiple Democratic sources believe an exit is only a matter of time. "I know for a fact that he's thinking about it," says one insider who wishes to remain anonymous. "He's thinking very seriously about it."
Another Democrat insider says Biden has recognized the signs of the times. "It feels like it's a matter of when, not if," the insider adds. Quentin Fulks, Biden's deputy campaign manager, however, stated that the President is not indecisive and has made his decision: "Joe Biden has said that he's running for the office of President of the United States. Our campaign is moving forward."
Biden's hesitation among Democrats falters
Previously, the US newspaper Washington Post and the news agency Associated Press reported that former US President Barack Obama no longer unequivocally supports Biden's re-election bid. Obama reportedly expressed his concerns to confidants that Biden's chances of winning the election have significantly decreased and that he believes Biden should seriously consider whether to continue his candidacy, according to the "Washington Post," citing several people familiar with Obama's deliberations. Obama is a member of the Democratic Party and is one of Biden's closest supporters.
Similarly, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also spoken out. The influential Democrat urged Biden to abandon his re-election bid. Pelosi is convinced that public opinion is against Biden and that he cannot change it. Pelosi's office initially declined to comment.
Even from the perspective of Democratic Senator John Hickenlooper, more and more arguments speak for Biden's withdrawal from the current campaign. "That's his decision, but there are certainly more and more signs that this would be in the best interest of the country," Hickenlooper said in a phone interview. He did not join the growing number of party colleagues who explicitly demand that Biden throw in the towel. "If there's so much turmoil and so much dissatisfaction, it's not easy to bring the party together," Hickenlooper added. Biden remains popular, but the political landscape has changed significantly compared to the previous election.
Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reportedly urged President Joe Biden during a meeting on Saturday to end his re-election campaign. Schumer told the 81-year-old that his withdrawal would be better for the country and the Democratic Party, according to ABC News. An official confirmation of this information is not yet available. Neither the White House nor Schumer's office responded to inquiries.
Interruption in campaign due to Corona infection
Biden's campaign had to be suspended temporarily due to an infection with the Coronavirus. His doctor reported respiratory symptoms, a running nose, and a cough. Given his advanced age, Biden falls into the risk group.
Following reports of decreasing chances of winning the election, former President Barack Obama expressed his concerns to confidants and suggested that Joe Biden seriously consider withdrawing from his re-election bid. Similarly, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged Biden to abandon his campaign, believing that public opinion is against him.
Despite these pressures, Joe Biden's deputy campaign manager, Quentin Fulks, asserted that Biden has made his decision to run for President and the campaign is moving forward. Meanwhile, Democratic Senator John Hickenlooper suggested that Biden's withdrawal might be in the best interest of the country, given the turmoil within the party.
