Biden May Consider Withdrawing from 2024 Race, Reports Say

President Joe Biden is reportedly becoming increasingly receptive to the idea of withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, according to several news outlets. This shift in his attitude has led to speculation among high-profile Democrats that he might decide to drop out as soon as this weekend. Sources close to Biden have noted a significant change in his willingness to entertain the possibility of stepping aside. The New York Times reported that Biden is now showing greater openness to the notion of ending his re-election bid. This development is seen as a response to the growing realization among his aides and supporters that his chances of winning re-election might be slim. Biden’s increased receptiveness is reportedly fueled by unflattering polling data and rising public and private pressure from within his party.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has reportedly informed several House Democrats that she believes Biden could be persuaded to exit the race soon. According to The Washington Post, Pelosi has shared her concerns with Democratic colleagues, suggesting that Biden might be convinced to step down due to his challenging prospects. While Biden has publicly insisted that he remains committed to his re-election campaign, some leading Democrats have privately expressed their belief that he might withdraw in the coming days. Axios reported that these Democrats think Biden understands the skepticism from party leaders, donors, and allies regarding his ability to win in November. They argue that the negative public perception of his age and governance capabilities could be insurmountable.

Despite the mounting speculation, no high-level Democrats have explicitly stated that Biden is preparing to withdraw. The New York Times noted that Biden has become more receptive to discussions about ending his campaign. He has also shown an increased willingness to consider unfavorable polling data, which suggests a shift in his approach to the re-election bid. CNN corroborated this view, noting that Biden has recently inquired about Vice President Kamala Harris’s potential to succeed if he were to exit the race. This shift in inquiry—from skepticism about Harris’s chances to seeking insights on her prospects—indicates Biden’s growing contemplation of alternative scenarios. A source close to Biden’s campaign emphasized that, despite these developments, there is no concrete evidence suggesting that Biden is actively planning to withdraw from the race. Biden’s spokesperson, Kevin Munoz, firmly stated, “President Biden is the Democratic nominee and he is going to win this November,” reflecting the official stance of the campaign.

Biden is also facing increasing pressure from top Democrats in Congress. Pelosi has reportedly shared polling data indicating that Biden could struggle against former President Donald Trump in the general election, potentially jeopardizing the Democrats’ chances of retaking the House. According to CNN, Biden’s reaction to these poll numbers has been defensive, with him pointing to other polls that still show a viable path to victory. Additionally, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had a direct conversation with Biden over the weekend, encouraging him to consider stepping down from the race. ABC News reported on this conversation, which Schumer’s office has described as “speculation,” but did not outright deny. This blunt advice from a key Senate leader highlights the internal party tensions and the seriousness of the discussions surrounding Biden’s future in the race.

Former President Barack Obama, while publicly supportive of Biden’s re-election efforts, has reportedly expressed private concerns about the viability of his campaign. Obama is said to have advised Biden to carefully assess the feasibility of his candidacy, acknowledging that his path to victory appears increasingly narrow. This private counsel from Obama adds weight to the ongoing discussions about Biden’s potential withdrawal. An anonymous source familiar with Biden’s campaign indicated that the campaign team has started to shift its perspective, suggesting that they are coming to terms with the possibility of Biden stepping aside. NBC News reported this shift, indicating that the campaign is now considering the likelihood of a withdrawal as a matter of “when,” rather than “if.”

Senior House Democrats have indicated that a resolution regarding Biden’s candidacy might come within the next three to five days. CBS’s Major Garrett reported that a decision could be expected between Sunday and Tuesday, as each passing day without a definitive choice will likely intensify public and political pressure on Biden to make a decision. This renewed focus on Biden’s potential exit follows weeks of calls for him to step down, particularly after a disappointing debate performance. Since late June, approximately 20 lawmakers, including prominent figures like Rep. Adam Schiff, have publicly urged Biden to withdraw. Additionally, notable Democrats and high-profile supporters, including George Clooney, Rob Reiner, and several billionaires, have voiced their concerns about Biden’s candidacy.

Compounding Biden’s difficulties, he tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, necessitating a shortened campaign tour and self-isolation at his Delaware residence. The White House has characterized his symptoms as mild. In a recent interview with BET, Biden stated that he would be willing to consider stepping down if his doctors identified a medical condition that would prevent him from running.