The likelihood of President Biden abandoning his 2024 reelection campaign has soared to more than 80 percent, with the once-insurgent Democratic candidate said to be “introspecting” about his withdrawal from the race.
The chances of the 81-year-old president stepping down were rising at 84% as of early Friday, according to a predictions-betting website. Polymarket.
After the disastrous June 27 debate with former President Donald Trump, that probability dipped to a low of 19%, but has since risen sharply.
Since then, Biden has faced pressure from party insiders, both publicly and behind closed doors, to give up his top spot on the shortlist.
The defiant commander in chief has so far remained adamant he remains in the race for the White House, vowing to be “all in” on Wednesday after he was confirmed to have COVID-19.
But privately there is speculation that Trump is taking the call to resign seriously, with several Democratic officials believing it is only a matter of time before he does so, multiple sources told Reuters.
“He’s really been through some soul-searching, I know that for a fact,” a source said. “He’s thinking very seriously about this.”
Another Democratic congressional aide said it was clear Biden had lost, with top Democrats including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reportedly urging him to drop out of the race this week.
“It seems like it’s not a matter of if it will happen, but when,” the aide said.
“Yes, it’s done. It’s just a matter of time,” another Biden campaign source added.
But a Biden campaign spokesman denied suggestions he was ready to step down.
“He’s not fazed by anything. The president has made his decision,” deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks said. “Joe Biden has said he is running for president of the United States. Our campaign is moving forward.”
With post wire
