Biden being 'receptive' to withdrawal requests: CNN

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: CNN
18 Jul 2024 14:48
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An anonymous senior Democratic advisor says Joe Biden is not being "as defiant" as he is in public regarding the mounting pressure for him to drop out of the race.

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President Joe Biden walks down the steps of Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. (AP)

US President Joe Biden might have to answer one of the most important questions in his political career as he returns to Delaware on Wednesday from Las Vegas, where his trip was cut short after he tested positive for COVID-19: Will he give in to the growing demands of his fellow Democrats to withdraw his reelection campaign?

Several Democratic sources told CNN that the White House and the Biden campaign are in a new place following the president's concerning debate performance in Atlanta, despite the fact that fear and rage have been slowly building within the Democratic Party for almost three weeks.

An anonymous senior Democratic advisor told CNN, “The private conversations with the Hill are continuing,” adding, “He’s being receptive. Not as defiant as he is publicly.”

"He’s gone from saying, ‘Kamala can’t win,’ to ‘Do you think Kamala can win?" the advisor continued, noting, “It’s still unclear where he’s going to land but seems to be listening."

US President Joe #Biden's recent comments about needing more sleep and less work have reignited discussions about his cognitive health. Amid a series of notable gaffes, from misstatements in interviews to tripping incidents, concerns are growing.

High-profile figures, including… pic.twitter.com/l20tIPbo8N
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) July 17, 2024

Meanwhile, Biden spokesperson Kevin Munoz stated, "If the facts matter – and they should – here is one: President Biden is the Democratic nominee and he is going to win this November."

The White House announced last night that Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, confirming that Biden will return to his residence in Delaware, where he will isolate and continue performing all his duties fully during this period. Regular updates on the president's condition will be provided while he remains in quarantine.

Pelosi warned Biden of dangers Democrats are facing

This comes the same day after Axios cited two sources saying former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has warned Biden and his campaign about the political danger the Democratic Party will face if he stays in the race.

Biden has already received requests from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer to withdraw from the presidential race, as revealed by ABC News.

However, Biden, in a message to Democrats last week, stated it was time to "end the talk" about withdrawing from the presidential race. According to Axios, Biden said he had "intense discussions with party leadership, elected officials, and grassroots members, and most importantly, with Democratic voters, over the past 10 days," acknowledging the concerns people have raised.

Biden confirmed his candidacy, expressing his conviction that he is the best person to defeat Donald Trump. He stated his strong commitment to staying in the race, noting that "the question of how to move forward has been well posed for over a week now. It's time to end it."