The pressure on Joe Biden’s presidential campaign reached new heights on Thursday as concerns from Barack Obama, a darkening mood among Democrats, and polls showing Donald Trump pulling ahead cast a shadow over his candidacy.
Reports of high-level Democratic officials expressing doubts about Biden’s chances have surfaced, with some suggesting that his stepping down as the nominee was “inevitable”. Polling by CBS News showed Biden trailing Trump by five points, the widest margin recorded this campaign.
Despite the growing concerns, Biden’s campaign has dismissed the reports as “baseless” and reiterated his commitment to staying in the race. However, the mood among Democrats in Washington appears grim, with some suggesting that the end of Biden’s candidacy may be near.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other senior Democrats reportedly advised Biden to consider stepping aside for the good of the party, although they have denied these reports. The pressure on Biden comes as he continues to recover from a Covid infection in isolation in Delaware.
In contrast, Donald Trump is set to deliver a speech at the Republican National Convention, buoyed by high spirits among delegates and supporters. While Biden has received public support from some politicians, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus, there are signs that Democratic leadership is increasing pressure on him to reassess his candidacy.
Despite the mounting challenges, Biden’s campaign remains defiant, with senior advisers emphasizing that he is the party’s nominee and will continue to run for re-election. The situation has drawn comparisons to a baseball pitcher at the end of his career, with some suggesting that Biden should consider retiring to the appreciation of the crowd.
As the campaign enters a critical phase, the focus remains on Biden’s ability to overcome the obstacles and maintain his position as the Democratic nominee. With the presidential election drawing closer, the pressure on Biden is only expected to intensify.
