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Biden Faces New Pressure from Top Democrats as Covid Pauses Campaign
Biden Faces New Pressure from Top Democrats as Covid Pauses Campaign
President Joe Biden is facing new scrutiny over his candidacy in the upcoming November election, as his campaign events are currently on hold due to a Covid-19 infection. Reports indicate that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the top two Democrats in Congress, have individually met with Biden to express concerns about his bid for the White House. Additionally, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has reportedly told him privately that she believes he cannot defeat Donald Trump in the November election, according to CNN. Biden's re-election campaign was already experiencing internal dissent among top Democrats, particularly after a poor debate performance against Trump last month.
Announcing his Covid infection on Wednesday, President Biden's press secretary stated that the 81-year-old is experiencing mild symptoms. Karine Jean-Pierre added that he would isolate at his home in Delaware while continuing to "fully carry out all of his duties." She also noted that the president is vaccinated and has received booster shots. This marks the third time President Biden has tested positive for Covid.
Earlier that day, Biden was seen visiting supporters in Las Vegas and speaking at an event. However, he had to cancel a scheduled speech at UnidosUS, a Latino civil rights organization. This abrupt change marked a sudden halt to a trip intended to relaunch his campaign efforts with renewed vigor, following a pause due to an assassination attempt on his rival, Donald Trump.
During his time in Las Vegas, the president focused on reconnecting with Hispanic voters, a demographic where his support has waned since 2020. Later on Wednesday, he was observed moving slowly and cautiously up the steps to Air Force One, without wearing a mask. As he boarded the plane, he remarked, "Good, I feel good."
Mr. Biden has faced increasing calls to withdraw from the election race in recent weeks. In separate private meetings last week, Mr. Schumer and Mr. Jeffries reportedly expressed concerns to the president that his candidacy could jeopardize the Democrats' chances of maintaining control of either chamber of Congress in the upcoming November elections.
In response to these reports, White House spokesman Andrew Bates stated: "The president told both leaders he is the party's nominee, intends to win, and looks forward to working with both of them to pass his 100 days agenda to support working families."
A spokesperson for Mr. Jeffries stated, "It was a private conversation that will remain private." Mr. Schumer's office described the reporting as "idle speculation," but confirmed that the Democratic leader "conveyed the views of his caucus directly to President Biden."
CNN also reported that Nancy Pelosi recently told the president that polling suggested his candidacy could harm the Democrats' chances of winning the House in November. When President Biden pushed back, Pelosi requested key data from one of his long-time advisers, according to four sources briefed on the call. The timing of this conversation is unclear, though Pelosi's office indicated to CNN that she had not spoken with the president since Friday.
Approximately two dozen Democratic politicians have publicly urged Mr. Biden to step aside in recent weeks, including Congressman Adam Schiff from California, who suggested that Biden should "pass the torch." Schiff acknowledged Biden as "one of the most consequential presidents in our nation’s history," and proposed that stepping aside would allow him to "secure his legacy of leadership" by making room for another Democrat.
In an interview with BET, President Biden expressed that he did not feel ready to "pass the mantle" given the country's current divisions. He also mentioned, for the first time, that he would consider dropping out of the race if any of his doctors advised him that he had a "medical condition."
Before the announcement of Mr. Biden's Covid infection on Wednesday, reporters on the Las Vegas trip reported being hurried from a campaign stop at a Mexican restaurant to the city's airport following the news. The restaurant was vibrant, adorned with Mexican art, guitars hanging on the walls, and banners draped from the ceiling. One wall featured "Biden-Harris" posters.
As ceiling fans spun slowly and Latino pop music played softly, Mr. Biden entered the main dining area through a kitchen door, flanked by Secret Service agents. He greeted diners, who appeared prepared for his arrival, shaking hands, kissing one, and posing for selfies with others. The president seemed somewhat stiffer and slower than the previous day when he had delivered an energetic speech to a national civil rights group.
Later in the day, commenting on the Covid infection, Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's doctor, reported that Mr. Biden had developed upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and a cough, and had been given his first dose of Paxlovid. He felt fine during his first event of the day but tested positive later, according to Dr. O'Connor.
Mr. Biden posted on X to thank everyone for "the well wishes" and stated that he would "work to get the job done for the American people" while recovering. In another post on his account, he wrote, "I'm sick... of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election. And if you agree, pitch in here," linking to a donations portal.