President Joe Biden is facing mounting pressures after testing positive for COVID-19 and showing concerning signs of slowing down.
After testing positive for COVID-19 in Las Vegas, President Joe Biden returned to Delaware and was seen walking slowly and pausing several times as he disembarked from Air Force One.
According to Daily Mail, President Joe Biden, 81, tested positive for COVID-19 while on his campaign tour in Las Vegas. The president exhibited symptoms such as a runny nose and cough, according to the White House physician, who reported Biden's temperature remained normal.
Upon arrival in Delaware, Biden's slow walk off Air Force One and pauses raised eyebrows. Once inside the SUV bound for his Rehoboth Beach residence, he donned a mask, preparing for self-isolation.
In recent private discussions, significant Democrats have expressed their concerns, pushing Biden to step down from the 2024 race. A private conversation leaked, revealing that Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi bluntly told Biden that he is no match for former President Donald Trump and poses a risk to the Democratic presence in Congress.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer met Biden in Rehoboth last weekend, delivering a similar message encouraging him to bow out. Additionally, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed these sentiments in a meeting the previous week but has kept the conversation's details private.
"It was a private conversation that will remain private," a spokesperson for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated.
Compounding the political advisories, Biden’s COVID-19 diagnosis further complicates his campaign plans. Representatives, like Adam Schiff, have taken this opportunity to vocalize their stance on Biden stepping down. Schiff actively communicated his belief that Biden should "pass the torch" to safeguard the Democratic Party's chances against Trump.
Schiff addressed Democratic donors recently, asserting Biden’s inability to win and warned of the potential jeopardy for Congressional prospects.
Despite these urging voices, sources indicate that Biden has softened his stance on remaining in the race. Initially staunch, Biden previously mentioned his willingness to step down only upon medical advice or divine intervention but is now more open to reconsidering his candidacy.
As Biden isolated and meditated on his future, the Democratic National Committee responded to the pressures by delaying the nomination from late July to early August. Scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago, the Democratic National Convention now awaits Biden’s next move.
Notably, Biden communicated his COVID-19 status in a fundraising email, reassuring supporters of his ongoing commitment. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that fully vaccinated and boosted, Biden would continue fulfilling his presidential duties from isolation.
President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19, showing slowed movement upon his return to Delaware, which has sparked concerns about his health and capability to continue his campaign. Amidst his health issues, significant Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, have privately urged Biden to consider stepping down from the 2024 race, citing risks to the Democratic Party's success. As Biden reconsiders his candidacy while in isolation, the Democratic National Committee has postponed the nomination process, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding his campaign.
