Journalist Mark Halperin said in a Thursday X post that “multiple sources” indicate President Joe Biden is expected to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race this weekend.
He said that the president is not expected to step down as Commander-in-Chief, just the ongoing race for a second term in the White House. While Biden’s success at the primaries means he’s currently the presumptive candidate, the Democratic National Convention – where nominees are official chosen – won’t be held until next month.
Following a weak performance at the first presidential debate last month, more and more people from within the Democratic party have called for Biden, 81, to step down from his reelection bid. Audacy reported Thursday that top members of the party, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, were urging him to step down.
His GOP opponent, former President Donald Trump is just a few years younger than him at 78, but seemed more vigorous. Trump’s survival of an assassination attempt Saturday and images of him pumping his fist as blood streamed down his face, have further solidified this narrative.
Biden, on the other hand, tested positive for COVID-19 this week. Though he has said in the past that only the “Lord Almighty” would keep him from running, Biden also said in an interview released Wednesday that he would consider stepping down if he had a medical condition and doctors suggested that he not run. More reports came out this week that he was becoming more receptive to the idea of leaving the race.
According to Helperin, sources said Biden “plans to announce withdrawal from nomination as early as this weekend, with Sunday most likely.”
Since the debate, there has been speculation about a potential replacement for Biden, including Vice President Kamala Harris. Halperin said sources indicate Biden won’t endorse Harris and that he is in talks with the vice president and three others.
“Harris is vetting at least four possible running mates, including [Kentucky governor] Andy Beshear and possibly Shapiro,” said Halperin, a possible reference to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.