(AURN NEWS) – President Joe Biden continues to face mounting pressure from within his own party to step aside in the 2024 presidential race, even as he now battles a recent COVID-19 diagnosis. Despite affirming his intention to continue his re-election bid, Biden is now encountering resistance publicly from key Democratic figures. CNN reports that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned the President that he not only faces a tough battle against former President Donald Trump but could also jeopardize Democratic chances in the House of Representatives.
Another major story is from ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl, who reported that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has also urged Biden to bow out. According to Karl’s post on X (formerly Twitter), Schumer had a “blunt one-on-one conversation” with Biden last Saturday in Rehoboth, where he “forcefully made the case that it would be best if Biden bowed out of the race.” According to Karl, when asked for comment, Schumer’s office remained tight-lipped about the specifics, stating only that the Majority Leader “conveyed the views of his caucus.”
These high-profile interventions come as Biden now grapples with a COVID-19 diagnosis. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement confirming that the President is experiencing mild symptoms and will self-isolate in Delaware. “He is vaccinated and boosted,” Jean-Pierre noted, adding that Biden “will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.”
With influential party leaders now expressing doubts about Biden’s candidacy, questions loom about the potential impact on the party’s electoral prospects. And it’s all taking place during the week of the Republican National Convention underway in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Democratic National Convention is scheduled to kick off on August 19.
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