With pressures mounting increasingly on Joe Biden from Democrats urging him to withdraw from the race, and his popularity at historic lows, backstage discussions are rich, with scenarios of his departure appearing even more likely. It’s conceivable that President Biden could abandon his electoral campaign as soon as this weekend and pass the baton to another Democrat to face Donald Trump, who has seen his poll numbers rise, especially following the assassination attempt against him.
“Many top Democratic figures have confided in us that numerous members of Congress and close friends of Biden will persuade him to abandon his bid for the presidency, and this could be achieved by the weekend,” writes the American news website Axios.
Explaining why pressures might yield results at this particular time, they note that the 81-year-old Biden, currently in quarantine due to a COVID-19 illness, lacks a public presence and personally appears resigned due to mounting pressure, poor polling, and daily criticism, factors making it impossible to continue his campaign.
What’s happening behind the scenes?
Top party members, Biden’s friends, and key donors strongly believe Biden cannot win or change public perception about his age and sharpness, while he struggles to secure congressional majorities.
As Axios further points out, Biden’s aides are advising him to withdraw because failing to do so could result in significant losses to Donald Trump and severely damage the Democratic image.
Indeed, in recent days, especially after the assassination attempt on Trump, pressures for withdrawal are more intense than ever.
At the same time, Democrats anticipate that polls following the Republican Convention will further boost the opposition’s numbers, with Democrats losing even more ground in Congress.
“I pray he does the right thing. He’s heading in that direction,” a close Biden associate told Axios.
The poll and the most likely scenario
Meanwhile, a serious concern has ignited within the White House following an Associated Press poll revealing that nearly two-thirds of Democrats desire Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race.
In a column detailing the backstage maneuvers within the Democratic Party, Axios had written 18 days earlier, quoting a Biden party official, that the purpose was for Biden to voluntarily exit the stage.
“He doesn’t seem to grasp the signs like we do. It’s as if he obligates the world to appreciate and sympathize with him,” said another well-informed Democratic source to Axios.
According to the American media outlet, the most likely scenario is for Biden to succumb to pressures and endorse Kamala Harris, something that would ease tensions within the Democratic Party. However, it’s not yet certain when and how a potential succession of Harris to Democratic leadership would be announced, with the stances of Obama and Clinton playing significant roles.
In conclusion, the article states that Democrats are focusing on winning in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, states that if won, would secure the presidency.
