United States President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama are experiencing a rift over Obama’s suggestion that Biden should drop out of the upcoming presidential election and pave the way for another candidate.
Despite growing concerns from fellow Democrats, including Obama and Nancy Pelosi, Biden remains adamant about continuing his election campaign. These apprehensions stem from doubts about Biden’s deteriorating health and his ability to serve another four-year term, reports CBS News.
The Democratic Party’s concerns were amplified after Biden’s disastrous debate performance against former President Donald Trump in late June. Other public appearances have also raised eyebrows, such as when Biden mistakenly called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “President Putin” and referred to himself as a “black woman.”
These instances have caused worry within the Democratic camp and among the general public. Although Obama has not publicly withdrawn his support for his former vice president, reports suggest he is advocating for a new Democratic candidate for the presidential election in November.
Currently, Biden is in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. The reports of the president contracting the virus came on Wednesday, just a day after he stated that only a medical issue would cause him to reconsider his decision to run.
In isolation, Biden has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over Obama’s lack of support, especially after serving as his vice president for two terms. Despite the rift, ousting Biden from the race would be a complex process. However, Democrats are already considering potential candidates, with many party members reportedly supporting Vice President Kamala Harris to take over the campaign.
As the Democratic Party navigates these internal conflicts, the future of its 2024 presidential campaign remains uncertain. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Biden will continue his bid for re-election or if another candidate will step forward to lead the party.