According to reports, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been pushing Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race, sparking frustration among Democrats who feel the party’s captain is ignoring the warning signs. Congressional Democrats have been scrutinizing polling data, which suggests Biden’s candidacy is a liability that could result in significant losses for the party in down-ballot races.
Biden’s advisors have been reluctant to intervene, partly due to his reputation for being cantankerous. However, the president’s latest COVID diagnosis and the growing chorus of calls for him to step down have reportedly prompted him to ask his team whether Kamala Harris could win the election without him.
Pelosi shared polling data with Biden last week, revealing that his chances of winning were dwindling due to his health concerns and the widening cracks in the party’s base. Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries have also conveyed similar concerns to the president.
Representative Adam Schiff, the former chair of the House Intelligence Committee, has become the first high-profile Democrat to publicly urge Biden to drop out of the race for the sake of the party. Biden is currently in Delaware, recovering from his COVID diagnosis, and has said he would consider withdrawing if a medical episode arose. However, his declining health – both mental and physical – remains a persistent concern.
