Close associates of President Joe Biden have indicated that he appears ready to heed requests to forgo running for re-election.
On the 18th, The New York Times (NYT) quoted four individuals close to Biden, reporting that he is beginning to realize he has no choice but to forgo running for re-election in November’s U.S. election, as his chances of defeating former President Donald Trump appear slim.
Biden’s associates said they wouldn’t be surprised if the President, who has been adamant about running for re-election for three weeks following his defeat in a TV debate against Trump, announces his withdrawal and support for Vice President Kamala Harris as he gradually comes to reality.
The NYT report is based on interviews with four anonymous associates, who described the situation as delicate.
Biden has been in isolation at his private residence in Delaware since testing positive for COVID-19 on the 17th.
On the same day, Democratic Senator Jon Tester of Montana also stated that Biden should maintain his enthusiasm for running for re-election.
The White House denies reports that Biden is moving towards resigning from his candidacy.
Mike Donilon, a senior advisor to the President, reportedly advises that despite fierce competition, there is still a path to victory in the election.
The President’s family members also continue to encourage him to run.
White House spokesperson Andrew Bates denied that Biden is resigning and passing his candidacy to Vice President Harris or another Democrat.
Both Bates and Biden campaign spokesperson T.J. Ducklo have stated that Biden will persist in running for re-election.
