Persistent 'Biden Resignation Theory' Even at Press Conferences... Is Obama Behind It?

After the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit, which is considered a litmus test for U.S. President Joe Biden's reelection bid, calls for his withdrawal from the Democratic Party have continued. Within this context, the Biden camp is pointing to former President Barack Obama as being behind the resignation movement.

On the 11th (local time), U.S. political media outlet Politico reported that the suspicion grew after George Clooney, a famous Hollywood actor and Democratic supporter, published an op-ed in The New York Times on the 10th urging Biden to step down.

President Joe Biden of the United States [Photo by UPI]

It is said that Clooney contacted former President Obama before publishing the op-ed. Multiple sources familiar with both Obama and Clooney told Politico that while Obama neither encouraged nor advised Clooney’s claims, he also did not oppose the publication of the op-ed.

Additionally, the fact that many of Obama’s aides are criticizing President Biden is another reason these suspicions have been raised.

The Obama camp did not respond to Politico’s inquiries.

Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House and a longtime ally of President Biden, is also lending support to the candidate replacement theory. Pelosi recently appeared on MSNBC’s "Morning Joe" program and said, "He is a beloved and respected president, and people want him to make a decision." According to a close aide to Pelosi, this was a warning signal urging Biden to reconsider continuing his campaign. In fact, the fading calls for Biden’s resignation reignited after Pelosi’s remarks.

Pelosi is reported to have made even stronger statements in private. In confidential conversations with Democratic lawmakers, she reportedly said that Biden cannot win this election and should step down. She advised candidates running in battleground states in the congressional elections held alongside the presidential election to use all means necessary to win. This is interpreted as implying that calls for resignation could be made if it helps secure victory. However, she advised waiting until after the NATO summit.

Nonetheless, Pelosi’s camp stated that they fully support whatever decision President Biden makes regarding these suspicions.

Politico analyzed that based on these discussions, Democratic leadership appears to be seriously considering the idea of Biden’s resignation.

On the same day, President Biden held a solo press conference at the NATO summit, engaging in a 59-minute Q&A session with reporters. He expressed strong confidence, saying, "I believe I am the most suitable person to run for president." He also showed his willingness to confront concerns about his age head-on by stating he would take a cognitive test if necessary. After calls within the party for him to withdraw following last month’s TV debate with former President Donald Trump, Biden aimed to dispel doubts by showcasing his policy strengths.

However, he made two critical verbal slips, introducing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "President Putin of Russia" and referring to Vice President Kamala Harris as "Vice President Trump."

Despite the press conference, the atmosphere within the Democratic Party did not improve, as lawmakers continued to call for his resignation.

With Representatives Jim Himes (Connecticut), Scott Peters (California), and Eric Sorensen (Illinois) joining the calls for resignation, the number of Democratic lawmakers demanding Biden step down as a candidate has risen to 17 as of that day.