Biden faces mounting pressure from Democrats to step down
Democratic leaders are unofficially persuading Joe Biden to withdraw from seeking re-election this weekend. According to the American portal Axios, this is reportedly linked to the immense pressure that "has become unbearable" recently.
18 July 2024 18:29
Joe Biden is currently in isolation due to a positive COVID-19 test, which he announced on social media. However, the infection does not ease the relentless pressure from top Democratic representatives, who reportedly demand that the president withdraw from the re-election race.
On Wednesday, the Axios news portal reported that Biden is set to withdraw from the elections this weekend officially. Informants from the portal argue that "the increasing pressure on Biden in recent days is expected to lead him to withdraw from seeking re-election this weekend."
"Publicly, he remains cornered. But privately, he has come to terms with the growing pressure, weak polls, and unsustainable control that prevents him from continuing the campaign," sources from the portal, which include prominent Democrats, claim.
Informants also highlight that "top politicians in his party, his friends, and key donors believe he cannot win, cannot change the public perception of his age and sharpness of mind, and is unable to secure a majority in Congress," adds the American portal Axios, which was founded in 2016 by journalists formerly associated with Politico.
"His choice is whether he wants to be one of the heroes of history or ensure that there will never be a Biden presidential library," a close friend of the president told the portal. "I pray that he does the right thing. He is heading in that direction," he emphasised.
Key debate with Trump
Doubts about Biden's age and health status had previously arisen. They only intensified following the CNN-organised debate between the current president and Donald Trump.
During it, Biden's problems became apparent. Although he performed better substantively than Trump, he lost in image. He appeared confused, and his thoughts drifted away.
Biden later admitted that he was "ill" during the debate and that his health affected his performance that day. At the same time, the president stressed that he would undergo neurological testing if necessary.
The Axios portal also reports that Biden met with Democratic leaders. "The president told both leaders that he is the party's candidate, plans to win, and looks forward to working with them to push through his 100-day agenda to help working families," the White House told the portal.