Former President Barack Obama is reportedly telling Democrat allies that President Joe Biden's "path to victory has greatly diminished" and that he needs to consider the "viability of his candidacy."
Considering his massive influence within the party, Obama's concerns will surely be seen as a considerable blow to Biden's campaign.
The Washington Post reported on Thursday:Former president Barack Obama has told allies in recent days that President Biden’s path to victory has greatly diminished and he thinks the president needs to seriously consider the viability of his candidacy, according to multiple people briefed on his thinking.
Obama has only spoken with Biden once since the debate, and he has been clear in his conversations with others that the future of Biden’s candidacy is a decision for the president to make. He has emphasized that his concern is protecting Biden and his legacy, and has pushed back against the idea that he alone can influence Biden’s decision-making process.
Behind the scenes, Obama has been deeply engaged in conversations about the future of Biden’s campaign, taking calls from many anxious Democrats, including former House speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and has shared his views about the president’s challenges, according to people with knowledge of the calls, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.
A spokesperson for the former president declined to comment on the Post's report.
The report states that Obama has expressed concerns that the polls are moving against Biden ever since his poor debate performance late last month.
Obama initially defended Biden but has been publicly silent since putting out the single post on X.
“Bad debate nights happen,” Obama wrote at the time. “Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself.”
Obama is just the latest in a growing chorus of Democratic leaders who have expressed their concerns about Biden continuing his campaign.
According to reports, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer privately asked Biden to withdraw on Saturday. His meeting came about a week after former Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed her concerns about him staying in the race.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has also reportedly expressed his concerns directly to Biden.
Rep. Adam Schiff joined the chorus on Wednesday.
“President Biden has been one of the most consequential presidents in our nation’s history, and his lifetime of service as a Senator, a Vice President, and now as President has made our country better. But our nation is at a crossroads,” Schiff told the Los Angeles Times. “A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about whether the President can defeat Donald Trump in November.”
Schiff told the Times that the “choice to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden’s alone,” but he is urging Biden “to pass the torch” and “secure his legacy of leadership” by stepping aside for someone who can beat Trump.
The congressman told the newspaper that he would support whoever is the nominee, even if it remains Biden.
Biden has repeatedly stated that he is not willing to step aside.
