Former President Barack Obama has joined a growing chorus of voices expressing doubts about President Joe Biden’s chances of winning re-election. According to a report by the Washington Post, Obama has told his allies that Biden’s path to victory has significantly narrowed and he believes the president should seriously consider the viability of his candidacy. While Obama has emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with Biden, he has been actively engaging in conversations with anxious Democrats about the challenges facing Biden’s campaign. These conversations include discussions with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is reportedly convinced that public sentiment is against Biden and he cannot win the November 5 election. Pelosi’s stance aligns with that of Representative Adam Schiff, who publicly stated his “serious concerns” about Biden’s ability to defeat Republican challenger Donald Trump. Schiff’s statement, the first from a Democrat after the assassination attempt against Trump, came as a shock to Biden’s campaign, which had believed that the shooting would quell calls for Biden to step aside.
Meanwhile, Biden, who recently tested positive for COVID-19, has become more receptive to hearing arguments about stepping down. In a recent interview, Biden acknowledged the legitimacy of questions about his health and fitness, stating that while he feels physically fit, he understands why people might have concerns about his age. The president’s openness to the discussion comes amidst growing anxieties within the Democratic Party about the potential consequences of a Biden loss in the 2024 election.
