Former President Barack Obama has reportedly advised President Joe Biden to reconsider his decision to run for re-election, according to the Washington Post.
Obama, who served as president from 2009 to 2017 with Biden as his vice president, believes that Biden’s chances of winning have diminished and that he should “seriously consider the viability of his candidacy.”
The Washington Post cited individuals briefed on Obama’s thoughts, noting that Obama has not made any public comments on the matter. However, his influence remains significant within the Democratic Party.
Obama’s suggestion adds to the growing calls within the Democratic Party for Biden to step aside, especially following a challenging debate performance against former President Donald Trump. Biden, who is currently isolating with COVID-19 at his beach house, has dismissed concerns about his age and fitness, insisting he will stay in the race for the White House.
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Pressure on Biden is mounting, with Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reportedly meeting with him recently to express concerns that his candidacy might jeopardize the party’s prospects in the upcoming election.
The 2024 US presidential election is shaping up to be highly contentious, with President Biden seeking re-election despite internal and external pressures. There are ongoing discussions within the Democratic Party about the best path forward, given concerns over Biden’s ability to compete effectively against Donald Trump.