Several Democratic insiders have revealed that President Joe Biden might withdraw as the party’s nominee in the near future, potentially as soon as this weekend. This development follows ongoing discussions about Biden’s ability to maintain his presidential campaign amid concerns regarding his age and recent political challenges.
Mark Halperin shared the news on Newsmax, stating, “This is unfolding suddenly. Everyone expected it to happen gradually, but it’s occurring all at once. My sources indicate that President Biden has decided to step down as the Democratic nominee, possibly as early as this weekend. A speech is already prepared for him. His intention is to continue as president. He will not, I’m told, endorse Vice President Harris as his successor. They are hoping he will support an open process where the convention in Chicago will be open to Vice President Harris and several other candidates to determine the Democratic nominee for president,” Halperin added. The sources mentioned that Harris is already evaluating potential running mates, such as Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Other potential candidates include California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, alongside Harris. Halperin described a process where regular delegates would vote in the first ballot, and if no winner is determined, superdelegates would vote in subsequent ballots. The decision seems to be driven by high-level influence from notable Democratic figures, including Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and former President Barack Obama, as well as a consensus among Biden’s senior advisors that his campaign had no sustainable future.
Biden’s underwhelming performance at the June 27 debate initially caused significant concern within the Democratic Party, leading donors, activists, and officials to seek advice from experienced political leaders. “Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know,” Obama wrote on X after Biden’s disappointing debate performance in June. “Last night didn’t change that, and it’s why so much is at stake in November.”
Axios reported earlier on Thursday that a decision from the president could come as soon as this weekend, based on information from insiders who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations. Co-founders Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen, influential figures in Washington, D.C. with extensive contacts, noted that mounting pressure from top Democrats might have finally reached a tipping point. The forthcoming decision is likely to be made shortly after Biden recovers from a bout of Covid. Currently, he remains in isolation and without a public schedule, providing him time to reflect on the potential consequences for his party if he chooses not to step aside. The pressure campaign intensified after Democrats predicted post-event polls would show increased support for former President Donald Trump, potentially giving him a significant lead.