Biden is under pressure from the top Democrats as Covid stops campaign
The president is facing new questions regarding his candidacy from the two top Democrats in Congress and is also self-isolating.
By Ana Faguy and State Department Correspondent Tom Bateman
Jul 18, 2024 07:57 AM
by Ana Faguy and State Department Correspondent Tom Bateman, Reporting from Washington and Las Vegas, travelling with the president
President Joe Biden is facing new questions about his presidential candidacy in November’s election – his events for the campaign in a halt because of a Covid-19 virus.
The two top Democrats within the US Congress, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, are both said to have met with each other to express their concern about his plans to run to run for White House.
Nancy Pelosi, the former House Speaker, has confided to her that she will never defeat Donald Trump in November’s election According to CNN.
Biden’s bid to re-elect him was already being swayed by growing discontent among the most powerful Democrats following his shaky appearance in a debate in the presidential debate against Donald Trump last month.
Announced his Covid disease on Wednesday, the vice president’s press secretary stated that the 81-year old was suffering from minor symptoms.
He was able to remain at home in Delaware while performing “all of his duties fully” According to Karine Jean-Pierre. The president was vaccinated and strengthened. He’s been confirmed positive for Covid twice previously.
Mr. Biden was during the previous day, visiting fans in Las Vegas and speaking at an event. He was forced to postpone an appearance later in the day UnidosUS which is an organisation for Latino civil rights organization.
It was a sudden and painful end to a tour which was meant to see Joe Biden making his way through the campaign trail once more in full force, following the pause that was triggered through the attempt to assassinate attempts of his opponent Trump.
The president has spent time at Las Vegas trying to revive his popularity among Hispanic voters who are the ones with whom his lead in polls has been declining from 2020.
On Wednesday He was seen moving slowly and with a cautious pace towards Air Force One. He wasn’t wearing any kind of mask. When he stepped onto his plane could be recorded saying: “Good, I feel good.”
Mr. Biden has been subject to increasing pressure to quit the presidential race over the last few weeks.
In their private discussions with Vice President Biden that occurred last week, Mr. Schumer and Mr. Jeffries expressed their concerns that his presence at top of the list for November’s presidential election could hamper their chances of having control over either chamber of Congress according to various reports.
Following the reports, White House spokesman Andrew Bates stated: “The president told both leaders he is the nominee of the party, he plans to win, and looks forward to working with both of them to pass his 100 days agenda to help working families.”
A spokesperson for Mr Jeffries said that “it was a private conversation that will remain private”. The office of Mr Schumer called the report “idle speculation” but added that the Democratic chairman “conveyed the views of his caucus directly to President Biden”.
Ms. Pelosi is claimed to CNN to have informed President Obama during a recent discussion that polling suggests he may affect the Democrats chances in winning House this November.
The president was rebuffed and Ms. Pelosi requested feedback on important information from the president’s longtime adviser according to CNN that reported four sources who were briefed on the phone call.
It’s unclear what time the conversation occurred. The Pelosi office informed CNN she hasn’t been in contact with the president since Friday.
Around twenty-six Democratic politicians have called for Biden to step down. Biden to resign in recent weeks. Among them is Adam Schiff, a congressman from California who has asked Biden to step down. Biden to “pass the torch”.
Mr Schiff stated that Mr Biden “has been one of the most consequential presidents in our nation’s history”, and he is able to “secure his legacy of leadership” by allowing a different Democrat to assume the presidency.
An interview on BET in an interview with BET, Mr Biden declared that he did not believe he had the capacity to take over the responsibilities to the nation as a result of being “divided”.
The president also stated at the very first that he could consider dropping from the contest if one of his doctors suggested that they found an “medical condition”.
Prior to the announcement of Biden’s condition on Wednesday journalists on his Las Vegas trip said they were taken off the location of a campaign visit at the Mexican restaurant and taken to the city’s airport after the announcement.
The restaurant was lit of colors and vibrancy, with Mexican artwork and guitars suspended from walls, as well as banners hanging over the ceiling. One wall was decorated by “Biden-Harris” posters.
The ceiling fans were whirling at low speed, while Latino pop played quietly through the speakers, President Biden entered through the kitchen’s door and was greeted by an Secret Service detail – and was seated in the main dining room.
He was able to shake hands with diners who clearly had been preparing prior to his arrival. He kissed a couple and snapped selfies with other diners.
The president appeared a bit stiffer and seemed slower than he had appeared the previous day, in which he delivered an energetic speech to the national civil rights organization.
Later in the day, when he spoke about his Covid disease, the president’s physician Kevin O’Connor said Mr Biden was suffering from upper respiratory symptoms that included running nose and cough. He was given the first dose of Paxlovid.
He was fine after his first activity of the day, but he later, he was positive, Dr. O’Connor explained.
Mr. Biden wrote on X to express his gratitude to everyone to thank everyone for “the well wishes” and declared that he will “work to get the job done for the American people” as he recovers.
In a different blog post on his account in another post, he wrote: “I’m sick” before writing “… about Elon Musk along with his wealthy friends who are trying to purchase this election. If you’re in agreement please join in here”.
The tweet referred to a donation portal.