President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign faced renewed pressure on Thursday. This comes amid reports of unease from former President Barack Obama about Biden’s chances in the presidential election, a darkening mood within the Democratic Party, and polls suggesting a surge for Donald Trump.
Growing Concerns Among Democrats
The atmosphere within the Democratic Party has been described as increasingly grim. One senior party official painted a bleak picture, telling the BBC that many within the party felt President Biden stepping down was “inevitable.” This sentiment was further reflected in recent polling by the BBC’s US partner, CBS News, which showed Biden trailing Trump by five points—the widest margin recorded so far in this campaign.
Biden’s Campaign Response
Despite these reports, Biden’s campaign has dismissed the claims of high-level Democratic concern as “baseless,” insisting that the president will remain the nominee. “These reports are unfounded and do not reflect the reality of the campaign,” a spokesperson for the Biden campaign stated.
Obama’s Reported Concerns
The Washington Post reported that Barack Obama had privately expressed doubts about Biden’s chances of securing a second term. Although spokespeople for the former president have declined to comment, the report has added to the growing sense of unease within the party.
Leadership’s Position
There have also been reports suggesting that key Democratic leaders, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, had advised Biden to reconsider his candidacy for the good of the party. However, all three leaders have publicly rejected these reports.
A Grim Outlook
A senior Democratic source in Washington described the mood as “grim,” indicating that many within the party are bracing for a significant decision. “We are all waiting for the inevitable decision,” the source said, highlighting the pervasive uncertainty and anxiety among Democrats.
As the campaign progresses, the Democratic Party faces a critical juncture, with internal divisions and external pressures shaping the path forward. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether President Biden can rally the party and regain momentum in the face of mounting challenges.
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