Amid increasing calls from fellow Democrats for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, the Biden family is reportedly deliberating the timing and manner of his potential exit. The discussions come as the 81-year-old president faces mounting pressure and health concerns.
The Biden family, including First Lady Jill Biden, son Hunter Biden, and sister Valerie Owens, reportedly feel disrespected by the political establishment.
An insider told NBC News, “There was a much more dignified way to do this if this is what they wanted. This is no way to treat a public servant who has done much for this country.”
White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates rejected the claims of a potential exit, stating, “The individuals making those claims are not speaking for his family or his team — and they will be proven wrong. Keep the faith.”
Campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon acknowledged a recent “slippage” in the campaign but affirmed Biden’s commitment to running. “The president is running,” she said in an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”
Despite this, Biden has hinted at stepping down if health issues arise. In a recent BET interview, he stated he would consider leaving the race “if I had some medical condition that emerged.”
Biden’s health has been under scrutiny since he tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, which led to the cancellation of a Las Vegas campaign event and a retreat to Delaware.
Calls for Biden to step aside have intensified following a series of poor performances, including a problematic debate against former President Donald Trump and subsequent faltering media appearances.
Montana Sen. Jon Tester and New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich are among the latest Democrats urging Biden to suspend his campaign, joining 24 House Democrats.
Former President Barack Obama, House Speaker emerita Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have reportedly discussed Biden’s poor polling numbers. Schumer visited Biden at his vacation home last week to address these concerns.
An AP-NORC poll revealed that 65% of Democrats and 70% of Americans believe Biden should withdraw. However, other polls suggest no clear successor, including Vice President Kamala Harris, has a better chance of defeating Trump.
Concerns among Democratic donors about a potential landslide loss in the 2024 election are growing. Brian Wolff, treasurer of the House Majority PAC, warned that the party is “on the brink” and stressed the need to balance support for Biden with considerations for potential alternatives.
