Biden Reportedly “Receptive” to Dropping Out as Obama Urges Reevaluation of Candidacy

President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign event with former President Barack Obama on Saturday, June 15, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

After weeks of insisting that he has no plans to bow out of the presidential race, President Joe Biden is reportedly more “receptive” to the idea of ending his reelection campaign, according to multiple sources within the Democratic Party. This shift comes amid increasing concerns about his viability as a candidate and growing pressure from influential figures within the party.

Sources have indicated that former President Barack Obama has begun telling party allies that his one-time running mate should “seriously consider the viability of his candidacy.”

According to a report by the Washington Post, “multiple sources briefed on [Obama’s] thinking” say that “Obama has been deeply engaged in conversations about the future of Biden’s campaign, taking calls from many anxious Democrats” and attempting to protect Biden’s legacy.

The president's recent interviews have not helped his case. His appearances on ABC News, NBC News, and most recently BET have raised significant concerns about his mental acuity. Biden has struggled to articulate his thoughts, maintain his train of thought, and recall information, which has only intensified the scrutiny he faces. These interviews align with observations made by The Wall Street Journal regarding Biden’s cognitive decline.

Biden's support among black voters, particularly those under the age of 50, is waning. His support among black women has dropped by 31 points since 2020, a statistic that could prove detrimental to his re-election bid. Despite these alarming trends, the White House has appeared dismissive of the concerns.

Adding to the speculation about Biden’s potential exit from the race, other Democrat insiders have reported to CNN that discussions with the president reflect a weakening stance headed into the election. According to these sources, Biden is “being receptive, not as defiant as he is publicly” on the subject of allowing Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place. An adviser noted, “He’s gone from saying, ‘Kamala can’t win,’ to ‘Do you think Kamala can win?’” Although it remains unclear where Biden will ultimately land on this issue, it seems he is more willing to listen.

In light of these developments, it is evident that the Democratic Party is facing a critical juncture. As concerns about Biden’s fitness for office grow, the party must carefully consider its next steps to ensure a viable candidate leads the charge in the upcoming election.

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