Speculation is growing that President Joe Biden may step down from the Democratic presidential nomination this weekend and either endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his replacement or allow an open convention to determine the next nominee. According to four sources close to the president, Biden is acknowledging the possibility that he may not be able to win the election in November and is reevaluating his candidacy in the face of growing pressure from anxious members of his party.
One source suggested that Biden has not yet made a final decision about his future in the race, while another believed that the president may soon announce an endorsement of Harris. The information comes as Biden remains under isolation at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, after being diagnosed with COVID-19 on Wednesday.
Contrasting reports have emerged on social media, with some sources claiming that Biden may endorse Harris immediately, while others speculate that the president will allow an open convention to choose the next nominee. The confusion is further fueled by conflicting statements from political leaders, including Senator Chuck Schumer, who reportedly told Biden to drop out of the race during a private meeting at his vacation home.
Schumer’s office did not deny the conversation, saying only that the senator conveyed the views of his caucus. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has expressed similar sentiments, according to a source, although his office declined to comment on the matter. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates later clarified that the president plans to win the election and looks forward to working with both leaders on his 100-day agenda.
Meanwhile, a recent private meeting between Rep. Adam Schiff and donors has revealed growing concerns within the Democratic party. Schiff warned that Democrats stand to lose everything if Biden remains at the top of the ticket, including the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives. In a transcript obtained by the New York Times, Schiff stated, “I think if he is our nominee, I think we lose. And we may very, very well lose the Senate and lose our chance to take back the House.”
