President Joe Biden is grappling with significant pressure to reconsider his 2024 presidential run amidst escalating concerns over his age, health, and perceived political missteps.
According to the New York Post, the Biden family is reportedly considering the possibility of the 81-year-old president not running for re-election in 2024 due to his health and the national interest.
They feel betrayed by fellow Democrats who have publicly called for Biden to withdraw, with one insider suggesting a more respectful approach could have been taken.
Discussions within Biden's family, including the First Lady and his siblings, are intensifying, focusing on whether the 81-year-old should persist with his campaign. This internal debate comes as public sentiment and party support appear to wane.
Family members express feelings of betrayal by some Democrats who are publicly urging Biden to step aside. These internal tensions highlight the complexities Biden faces, balancing personal loyalty and political pragmatism.
High-profile Democrats, such as former President Barack Obama, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, are notably influencing these discussions. Their perspectives weigh heavily, given their significant roles in the party and their historical relationships with Biden.
Recently, President Biden has experienced direct impacts on his campaign due to health issues, including testing positive for COVID-19 on July 17, 2024. This diagnosis came shortly after a campaign event in Detroit and disrupted his scheduled appearances.
The COVID-19 diagnosis was mild, according to reports, but it did not alleviate concerns about his overall health, which had been a topic of conversation even before this incident. Public polls reflect a growing desire among Democrats and the general public for Biden to reconsider his candidacy.
Some Democrats in the Senate and House have openly called for Biden to suspend his campaign, citing a series of political and strategic missteps. Their concerns were magnified following a debate with Donald Trump on June 27, 2024, which was widely viewed as unsuccessful.
Despite these pressures and discussions, Biden's campaign has not officially indicated any intention to cease his reelection efforts. White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates emphasized, “That is not happening, period,” reflecting a firm stance amid swirling doubts.
Jen O’Malley Dillon, appearing on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” acknowledged a decline in campaign momentum but reinforced that President Biden was fully committed to continuing to run. She stated that despite the tough previous weeks, the intention was to keep pushing forward.
Brian Wolff, treasurer of the House Majority PAC, stressed the delicate balance the party must maintain. He highlighted the necessity of not alienating any segment of their base, whether they support Biden's continued candidacy or favor a new direction.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, President Joe Biden confronts a mix of personal health issues, internal party debates, and public uncertainty about his candidacy. The decisions made in the coming weeks will be crucial not only for his campaign but potentially for the broader political landscape.