Biden Open to Dropping Out Over Medical Concerns Amid Pressure and Speculation

President Biden hinted at the possibility of not seeking a second term in a recent BET interview, citing potential medical concerns as a factor that could prompt him to reconsider his candidacy.

The 81-year-old president, speaking candidly in an excerpt released Wednesday, acknowledged that he would take any medical condition diagnosis that could affect his ability to continue serving seriously.

The 81-year-old president remarked in a BET interview taped Tuesday when asked what it would take to prompt him to reconsider his candidacy. BET News / CBS News

“If I had some medical condition that emerged, if somebody, if doctors came to me and said, you got this problem and that problem,” Biden remarked during the interview.

Biden also reflected on his initial intention to be a transitional leader in 2020, aiming to pass the torch to a new generation. However, he expressed that the current divisive state of the country has compelled him to contemplate running again.

On Wednesday, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) became the 21st House Democrat, calling on Biden to step aside. SHAWN THEW/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

“I said I was going to be a transitional candidate, and I thought I would be able to move on from this and pass it on to somebody else,” Biden explained. “But I didn’t anticipate things getting so, so, so divided. And quite frankly, I think the only thing age brings is a little bit of wisdom.”

The interview comes amid increasing calls from within his party for Biden to step aside. Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) became the latest Democrat to voice this sentiment, making him the 21st House Democrat to do so. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris, 59, is considered a potential successor should Biden withdraw from the upcoming November 5 election.

Concerns about Biden’s health have surfaced in recent months, with some speculating about conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Despite public scrutiny following a debate performance that raised questions about his cognitive abilities, the White House has maintained that Biden’s health is sound.

“As it relates to, you know, something like a cognitive test… the medical team said it is not warranted in this case,” stated White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on July 2. She emphasized that Biden underwent evaluation by a neurologist earlier in the year, and the annual physical report indicated no need for further testing.

Biden, however, has remained resolute in his decision not to retire despite concerns within the Democratic Party about his electability against former President Donald Trump.

Sola Adeniji

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