Several people close to Mr. Biden, who insisted on anonymity to discuss internal matters, described an under-the-weather president coughing and hacking more than a hundred miles from the corridors of power as his presidency meets its most perilous moment.
He has watched with rising exasperation as a succession of news stories appeared, one after the other, reporting that Mr. Schumer, Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Obama and Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the House Democratic leader, all had warned of a devastating defeat for the party in November.
And he certainly noticed that Mr. Obama has not done anything to help him in recent days even as his own former aides publicly have led the way in calling on Mr. Biden to withdraw in what was interpreted, rightly or wrongly, as a message from the former president’s camp. The unseen but clearly felt presence of Mr. Obama in particular has brought a Shakespearean quality to the drama now playing out, given their eight-year partnership.
While Mr. Biden and his team publicly insist that he is staying in the race, privately people close to him have said that he is increasingly accepting that he may not be able to, and some have begun discussing dates and venues for a possible announcement that he is stepping aside.
Here are the top political news stories for today.
I have lived with constant anxiety since he announced his plan to run for reelection. Every speech he gives, every time he makes a statement I wince, waiting for a gaffe that will peel away more support. So much needs to be said about the threat trump poses to this country and we're stuck with a poor public speaker. Biden was the perfect candidate for 2020. He is the exact opposite now. Hubris doesn't begin to describe it.
Liz Cheney was willing to sacrifice her career in Congress. As a lifelong Democrat, I could not disagree with her more on policy, but she showed courage by speaking the truth. Sadly, Biden is either unable or unwilling to do the same. I don't believe he is stepping down. He wants his name on the top of ticket no matter the consequences. For him, it's not about us, it is about himself. If Ms. Cheney was on the ballot, I would vote for her.
@PassionateDovesDemocrat2yrs2Y
A presidential campaign that is about one man, his grudges, his ego, and his desire to retain power - is Trumpian. I don’t know if President Biden understands that his stubbornness - bordering on arrogance- is burning through the enormous good will that his supporters hold for him. The attitude toward him is quickly moving from gratitude and concern to anger. This is not about 2016, and it’s not about the primaries - which yes, gave him a mandate, but without key information around his rapid decline. Now we know, and voters are furious at the gaslighting and condescension shown toward them. Enough is enough.
@9R5KPCH2yrs2Y
The ones pushing the narrative for Joe to drop out are mega donors who want to undo the will of the people who voted for him in the primaries
@9R5KPCH2yrs2Y
The ones pushing the narrative for Joe to drop out are mega donors who want to undo the will of the people who voted for him in the primaries
@TwoPartyJakeDemocrat2yrs2Y
This isn't about you, Joe, it's about us. You have done great things for the nation. Take the curtain call, Joe. Then, with grace and poise, bow out.
@BagelsBennyDemocrat2yrs2Y
Three weeks ago I cared about a graceful exit for the fine man Biden once was. Now, he and his collaborating family, are beginning to look as sociopathic as the Trumps. So, I no longer care how he is exited as the Democrat's candidate, I just care that he is; if this means using the 25th amendment to exit him now, so be it - it would be a self-inflicted injury of way less consequence than the consequences for all of us of a second Trump term.
And Democratic leadership, are you listening? After convincing all of us that Trump is an, "existential threat", you can't now act as if it is business as usual, or, "This is Joe's decision.." Act, act now.
The damage his ego has inflicted upon the country is enormous. We could have had proper primaries six months ago. Even after the debate he could have dropped out gracefully and we could have had mini primaries. Instead he will drop out at the very last minute, leaving us with Harris as only viable choice, which will mean very little chance to win in November.
When it really mattered he was unable to make the right choice, and will be judged harshly by history.
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
@ISIDEWITH2yrs2Y
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