According to the New York Post, a senior White House official has urged President Joe Biden to reconsider his reelection bid amid growing concerns about his age and cognitive abilities.
This plea has sparked a national debate and prompted actions from key figures to convince Biden to step aside for the upcoming November 5th election.
The official, who has worked closely with Biden since his vice presidency, expressed doubts about Biden's ability to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Observing Biden in both private and public settings, the official concluded that the president may not have the stamina and mental sharpness required for another term.
In recent months, Biden has shown more signs of aging, including appearing tired and speaking more slowly. His performance during a debate last month exacerbated concerns, with Biden freezing, mumbling, and losing his train of thought, which left many Democrats worried about his capacity to lead the nation.
Despite efforts to address these concerns in an interview with ABC News on Friday, Biden's support within his party continued to dwindle. The president, however, remains resolute, stating, "I am staying in the race," and asserting that only a divine intervention could persuade him otherwise.
Biden pointed to his achievements as evidence of his ability to serve another term. If re-elected, he would be 86 years old at the end of his term, making him the oldest sitting president in U.S. history.
Biden is expected to be declared the Democratic Party's presidential nominee within weeks, as he has secured enough delegates to ensure his nomination. Nonetheless, the call for him to step aside has been gaining momentum.
Six House Representatives, including Angie Craig, Mike Quigley, Seth Moulton, Raúl Grijalva, and Lloyd Doggett, have publicly urged Biden to reconsider his candidacy. Additionally, more Democrats have voiced similar concerns privately.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner is reportedly leading efforts among Senate Democrats to encourage Biden to drop out. Warner's spokesperson did not deny these claims, and Biden dismissed them during his ABC interview.
Prominent Democratic figures like James Carville have also called for Biden to step down. In response to the mounting pressure, top administration officials have hinted that Biden is contemplating holding a rare press conference to address concerns about his cognitive state.
Biden's reluctance to hold frequent press conferences has only fueled speculation about his ability to handle the demands of the presidency. He has held fewer press conferences than any recent president, raising questions about his transparency and availability.
The debate over Biden's fitness for office comes at a critical juncture as the nation prepares for the November election. The potential implications of Biden's decision are significant, with Democrats weighing the risks and benefits of his continued candidacy.
A senior White House official and other Democrats have urged President Biden to reconsider running for reelection due to concerns over his age and cognitive state. Biden's recent debate performance and his handling of press conferences have intensified these concerns. Despite this, Biden remains determined to stay in the race, citing his achievements and dismissing calls for him to step aside.
