President Biden, described as “f–king stubborn” by sources close to him, steadfastly refuses to relinquish the Democratic nomination, M10news reported Thursday.
Speculation about his potential withdrawal intensified after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others urged him to retire, suggesting he may consider stepping aside this weekend.
However, sources close to Biden expressed uncertainty about such a decision, even as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer privately cautioned him about potential electoral challenges and fundraising issues.
One White House source remarked, “I think anyone who says they know what’s going on in Biden’s mind is lying,” highlighting Biden’s perceived stubbornness.
While Biden’s recent COVID-19 diagnosis has provided him with a period of recovery at his Delaware home, sources suggest this won’t prompt an immediate decision to withdraw from the nomination. Speculation centres on Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential successor. Still, Biden is reportedly prideful and hesitant to step aside without assurances of a viable replacement who can secure victory.
The Biden re-election campaign reiterated Thursday that they are not considering scenarios where Biden is replaced as the presidential nominee, dismissing reports suggesting an imminent withdrawal as “fundamentally false.” The exact polling data shared with Biden by Pelosi and Schumer remains undisclosed. Still, it is believed to indicate a significant decline in support following Biden’s recent performance in a debate against Donald Trump.
Rep. James Clyburn expressed ongoing support for Biden, stating, “I’m still riding with Biden,” while affirming readiness to back Harris if Biden decides otherwise.
Quentin Fulks, Biden’s principal deputy campaign manager, refuted claims of an impending withdrawal, asserting their commitment to Biden leading the Democratic ticket.
