U.S. President Joe Biden's critical decision is imminent. Even the Democratic Party leadership, once strong allies, have begun persuading him to withdraw from the presidential race, with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stating that Biden's decision to step down is approaching. It is widely expected that this weekend will be a turning point. Vice President Kamala Harris is being considered as the replacement candidate.
The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 18th (local time), citing multiple Democratic sources, that former Speaker Pelosi is expected to soon persuade President Biden to withdraw from the presidential race.
This statement draws attention as demands for Biden's withdrawal from both inside and outside the Democratic Party have reached a critical point. Facing calls to step down since last month's televised debate, Biden has recently been cornered as former President Donald Trump's surge following the assassination attempt has intensified the "Trump momentum."
In this context, former Speaker Pelosi, considered a long-time ally along with the Democratic leadership, appears to be taking the lead in strongly urging Biden to resign. A source told WP that Pelosi, who recently met with President Biden, dismissed his claim that "poll results are looking good."
Former President Barack Obama has also expressed to close aides that Biden should seriously consider whether to run. He voiced concerns over recent unfavorable poll results for Biden, the increasing likelihood of "rival" Trump winning, and the fact that supporters are abandoning Biden.
President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama of the United States [Photo by AFP Yonhap News]
Accordingly, Biden's decision to withdraw is widely seen as a matter of time. Local media, including The New York Times (NYT), noted that "Biden's close aides acknowledge his potential defeat and calls for withdrawal," highlighting this weekend as a critical juncture. Even among his close circle, a clear shift in attitude is evident, moving away from the previously expressed intention to complete the presidential race. This situation sharply contrasts with Republican candidate Trump, who is effectively holding a "coronation" during the four-day party convention.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) also reported, citing sources, that "withdrawal is now a matter of time," and that current Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is actively discussing the next steps following Biden's potential resignation.
Vice President Harris is considered the replacement candidate for Biden. With the November 5th election approaching, if a candidate other than Harris were to run, they would not be able to use the existing campaign funds, and legal and political controversies regarding delegate validity could arise. Additionally, Harris is seen as a card to capture Black and female voters. According to an Economist-YouGov poll released that day, 79% of Democratic supporters said they would back Vice President Harris if Biden were to withdraw.
Vice President Harris continued campaigning in the battleground state of North Carolina on the day, while President Biden was isolating after testing positive for COVID-19. The NYT noted that Harris, unlike usual, did not engage in informal conversations with reporters accompanying her on the campaign trail. A Biden campaign insider said, "The president has not yet made a decision," but added, "It would not be surprising if Harris is soon announced as the successor."
If the Democratic candidate is replaced, the U.S. presidential race, now just over three months away, is expected to be shaken up. Mike Johnson, a Republican and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, suggested that the Democrats could face legal challenges if they replace their candidate. In a discussion that day, Speaker Johnson said, "It would be an act against everything that has happened over the past 14 months," adding, "They chose Joe Biden. (Replacing the candidate) would at least violate the laws of some states."
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