Obama: "Chances of Victory Decreasing"... Biden Cornered, Decision on Position Expected This Weekend (Update)

Washington Post "Obama Mentions Biden Considering Running"
Democratic Allies Turn Away... Decision Possible Over Weekend

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has reportedly expressed to close aides that President Joe Biden should seriously consider whether to run again, amid mounting pressure for Biden to withdraw following his defeat in the presidential debate. As calls for the Democratic candidate to step down reach a peak, some within the party speculate that Biden may make a 'decision' by the weekend.

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On the 18th (local time), the American daily The Washington Post (WP) cited multiple sources reporting that former President Obama said Biden's chances of winning have significantly diminished and that he should reconsider his candidacy.

Earlier, President Biden faced pressure within his party to withdraw after exposing concerns about his age and cognitive abilities during a TV debate held late last month.

According to the report, former President Obama spoke with President Biden only once after the TV debate. In subsequent conversations with others, he mentioned that the decision to withdraw should be made by the president himself.

However, it is reported that Obama has been deeply involved in internal Democratic discussions about the future of Biden's campaign unofficially. He received calls from Democratic figures, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and shared his views on the difficulties Biden is facing. In particular, he expressed concerns about unfavorable poll results for former President Biden, the increasing chances of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump winning, and the fact that donors are abandoning Biden.

Former President Obama has long been mentioned as being behind the calls for Biden to withdraw. The Biden campaign suspects that while Obama outwardly supports President Biden, he is secretly encouraging ongoing demands from Democratic lawmakers for Biden to drop out.

With key Democratic figures, including former President Obama, urging President Biden to make a decision, he finds himself in a dire situation. Earlier, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stated on the 13th that Biden should withdraw from the race to preserve his legacy. House Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also recommended withdrawal.

Notably, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a strong ally of President Biden, reportedly warned that if the president insists on running, it could jeopardize the Democratic Party's chances in the House elections.

As calls for the Democratic candidate to withdraw reach a peak, some within the party predict that President Biden may decide to step down by the weekend. Amid the sensitive controversy over his age, Biden was diagnosed with COVID-19 during a campaign event in Las Vegas, Nevada, a battleground state, and is currently self-isolating at his Delaware residence. If President Biden decides to withdraw, Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to succeed him as the candidate.