US President Joe Biden has pledged to continue his bid for re-election, despite a growing revolt within the Democratic Party that has sparked speculation he may drop out of the race as soon as this weekend.
In a statement from his Delaware beach home, where he is currently in Covid isolation, the 81-year-old president said, “The stakes are high, and the choice is clear. Together, we will win.” He also expressed his eagerness to return to the campaign trail next week, according to his doctor.
However, Biden’s political health appears to be in jeopardy, with over 30 House Democrats and four senators publicly calling on him to quit the November election against Donald Trump. A disastrous debate performance three weeks ago has raised concerns about Biden’s age and health.
Despite reports that top Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, have expressed concerns about Biden’s candidacy, his campaign chairwoman, Jen O’Malley Dillon, insisted that he remains committed to beating Trump. “Absolutely, the president is in this race,” she said.
The pressure on Biden has intensified in recent days, with polls showing Trump leading in the race and fundraising efforts drying up. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is seen as the front-runner to succeed Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate, held an emergency call with donors on Friday.
The next few days may be crucial for Biden’s presidency, with media speculation suggesting he may use his time in isolation to consult with family members and consider his next move. Any decision to step aside would need to be carefully planned to avoid chaos in the Democratic Party.
