Biden Faces Increased Pressure from Top Democrats as Covid Suspends Campaign
By M Muzamil Shami
President Joe Biden is encountering renewed scrutiny regarding his candidacy for the upcoming November election, as his campaign activities are presently on hold due to a Covid-19 infection.
Top Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have reportedly met with Biden individually to voice concerns about his White House bid.
Additionally, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has privately conveyed to him that she believes he cannot defeat Donald Trump in the November election, according to CNN.
Mr. Biden's re-election campaign is facing increasing opposition from prominent Democrats following his poor performance in last month's debate against Donald Trump.
Announcing Mr. Biden's Covid infection on Wednesday, his press secretary stated that the 81-year-old president was experiencing mild symptoms.
Karine Jean-Pierre, the press secretary, mentioned that Mr. Biden would isolate at his home in Delaware while continuing to perform "all of his duties fully." She also noted that the president was vaccinated and boosted and had previously tested positive for Covid twice.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Biden was seen visiting supporters in Las Vegas and speaking at an event. However, he had to cancel a later speech at UnidosUS, a Latino civil rights organization.
This abrupt turn of events marked an unexpected end to a trip that was meant to see Mr. Biden reenergize his campaign efforts following the pause caused by the assassination attempt on his rival, Trump.
During his time in Las Vegas, the president focused on regaining support among Hispanic voters, a demographic where his poll numbers have declined since 2020.
Later on Wednesday, Mr. Biden was observed moving slowly and cautiously as he ascended the steps to Air Force One without wearing a mask. As he boarded the plane, he remarked, "Good, I feel good."
In recent weeks, calls for Mr. Biden to withdraw from the election race have intensified.
Last week, in separate private meetings with Mr. Biden, Mr. Schumer and Mr. Jeffries voiced concerns that his presence at the top of the November election ticket might jeopardize their chances of controlling either chamber of Congress, according to multiple reports.
Following these reports, White House spokesman Andrew Bates stated, “The president told both leaders he is the nominee of the party, he plans to win, and looks forward to working with both of them to pass his 100 days agenda to help working families.”
A spokesman for Mr. Jeffries commented that “it was a private conversation that will remain private.” Mr. Schumer's office dismissed the reports as "idle speculation" but mentioned that the Democratic leader "conveyed the views of his caucus directly to President Biden."
CNN also reported that Ms. Pelosi, in a recent conversation with the president, indicated that polling suggested his candidacy could harm the Democrats' chances of winning the House in November. The president disagreed, after which Ms. Pelosi requested key data from the president's long-time adviser, according to CNN, citing four sources briefed on the call.
The timing of this conversation is unclear. Ms. Pelosi's office informed CNN she had not been in contact with the president since Friday.
Around two dozen Democratic politicians, including Congressman Adam Schiff from California, have publicly urged Mr. Biden to step aside in recent weeks. Mr. Schiff acknowledged Mr. Biden as "one of the most consequential presidents in our nation’s history" and suggested that he could "secure his legacy of leadership" by allowing another Democrat to step forward.
In an interview with BET, Mr. Biden expressed that he couldn't step down due to the nation's deep divisions.
Additionally, the president mentioned for the first time that he would contemplate exiting the race if any of his doctors diagnosed him with a "medical condition."
Before the announcement of Mr. Biden's infection on Wednesday, reporters on the Las Vegas trip reported being swiftly moved from a campaign stop at a Mexican restaurant to the city's airport following the news.
The restaurant was vibrant with Mexican art, guitars hanging from the walls, and banners draped from the ceiling. One wall featured "Biden-Harris" posters.
As ceiling fans spun slowly and Latino pop music played softly, Mr. Biden entered through the kitchen door, flanked by Secret Service agents, and walked into the main dining area.
He greeted diners with handshakes, kissed one, and took selfies with others, who had evidently been prepared in advance for his arrival.
The president appeared somewhat stiffer and slower than the previous day when he had delivered an energetic speech to a national civil rights group.
Later, commenting on his Covid infection, the president's doctor, Kevin O'Connor, said Mr. Biden exhibited upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and a cough, and received his first dose of Paxlovid.
Dr. O'Connor noted that Mr. Biden felt fine during his first event of the day but later tested positive.
Mr. Biden posted on X to thank everyone for their "well wishes" and stated he would "work to get the job done for the American people" while recovering.
In another post, he wrote: "I'm sick... of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election. And if you agree, pitch in here," pointing to a donations portal.
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