United States President Joe Biden is reportedly coming to terms with the possibility that he may need to exit the 2024 presidential race, according to a report from the New York Times on Thursday, July 18. Sources close to the president have indicated that Joe Biden’s confidence in securing a victory on November 5 has waned significantly. One insider suggested it would not be surprising if Biden soon endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement for the Democratic candidacy, stating, “Reality is setting in.”
Despite these claims, Joe Biden’s campaign co-chair, Cedric Richmond, has firmly denied any intention of the president stepping down. In an interview with MSNBC, Richmond asserted, “The New York Times reporting is absolutely wrong. The president has said that he is running and it’s the end of the story.” However, multiple media outlets, including Axios and NBC, have cited sources within the Democratic Party who believe Biden’s decision to withdraw could be imminent, with one source indicating that the decision could come as soon as this weekend.
Internal Party Struggles and External Opinions
The discourse surrounding Joe Biden’s potential withdrawal has not been confined to media speculation. Former President Barack Obama has reportedly advised his allies that Joe Biden should “seriously consider the viability of his candidacy,” though Obama’s office has refrained from commenting publicly. The growing unrest within the party was further highlighted when Jon Tester of Montana became the second Democratic senator to publicly urge Joe Biden to step aside, stating, “While I appreciate his commitment to public service and our country, I believe President Biden should not seek reelection to another term.”
This internal party struggle has been exacerbated by Biden’s recent performance in a televised debate against Donald Trump, which reignited concerns about his age and physical fitness for the presidency. Despite these challenges, Biden’s campaign has remained resolute, with campaign official TJ Ducklo dismissing the speculation as “baseless conjecture from anonymous sources.”
Potential Transition to Kamala Harris
Amidst the growing uncertainty surrounding Joe Biden’s candidacy, Vice President Kamala Harris has been highlighted as a likely successor should Biden choose to step down. In a recent speech in North Carolina, Harris refrained from addressing the ongoing crisis but praised President Joe Biden and sharply criticized Trump’s new running mate, JD Vance. She emphasized the significance of the upcoming election, describing it as the “most existential, consequential and important election of our lifetime.”
Political analyst Richard Mullaney echoed these sentiments during an appearance on CNA’s Asia First programme, suggesting that Biden’s exit from the race has become “close to a foregone conclusion.” Mullaney pointed out Harris’s unique qualifications, including her role as the first woman of color to serve as vice president, her competitive nature, and her ability to rally the Democratic base. “I think Republicans are making a big mistake if they underestimate her,” he remarked, adding that a new Democratic nominee and vice-presidential nominee could galvanize the party.
Joe Biden’s Isolation Amidst Covid Diagnosis Raises Questions
Amidst these deliberations, President Biden finds himself isolated at his vacation residence in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, following a recent Covid diagnosis. Despite his family’s support for his candidacy and assurances from close adviser Mike Donilon regarding a viable path to victory, discussions among Biden’s senior staff increasingly lean towards the inevitability of his withdrawal from the race. Katie Glueck of The New York Times reported informal but significant conversations within Biden’s team suggesting a growing acceptance that his departure could be imminent, a stark shift from earlier taboos surrounding such discussions.
The evolving situation casts a shadow over Biden’s campaign strategy, which initially relied heavily on his experience and perceived ability to defeat Trump in a rematch. As Biden contemplates his political future, the Democratic Party braces for potential changes at the top of their ticket, with implications that could reshape the dynamics of the upcoming presidential race.
