Speculation is rife that President Joe Biden may withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, with reports suggesting an announcement could come as soon as this weekend.
Veteran journalist Mark Halperin has claimed that Biden will step down and will not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Halperin shared these insights on X and during an appearance on Newsmax, citing anonymous sources.
These rumors have emerged amid rising pressure from within the Democratic Party for Biden to step aside. High-profile Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and former President Barack Obama, have reportedly encouraged Biden to let a new candidate lead the ticket. Despite this, Biden’s campaign has strongly denied these reports.
TJ Ducklo, a spokesperson for Biden, told Fox News Digital’s Brooke Singman that the rumors are “entirely inaccurate.” Another aide reaffirmed, “The President is more committed than ever to winning this election.”
Halperin’s report suggests that Biden’s exit could lead to a contested Democratic convention, where Harris and other potential candidates would compete for the nomination. Harris is reportedly considering several possible running mates, including Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Biden’s recent interview with BET, where he mentioned he would consider stepping down if faced with a medical issue, has fueled these speculations. Shortly after the interview, Biden tested positive for COVID-19 and canceled his campaign events in Nevada, adding to the rumors.
Halperin also mentioned that he would continue to explore the implications of Biden’s potential withdrawal, including the influence of key Democratic figures like Pelosi and the strategies of the Trump campaign.
The Democratic Party faces a critical period as they navigate these developments, with the potential for significant changes in their 2024 election strategy. The political landscape remains dynamic, and the party’s next moves will be closely watched.