It feels like the endgame for Joe Biden’s chances of re-election, but he’s not conceding yet.
The president he served under as vice president had kept his own counsel until now. Barack Obama‘s view, that he should “consider his viability”, is a devastating blow.
Former speaker Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden‘s long-time friend and ally, had already urged him to step aside.
Live: Biden in turmoil as Obama questions re-election bid
Seventy percent of Americans and 65% of Democrats also believe he should leave the race.
One voter outside the White House told me: “COVID is the least of my concerns about Joe Biden and his condition.”
Another, visiting from Texas, said she suspected the Democrats were using the virus as “a ploy”.
“We just can’t trust them. We’ve seen what they’ve done before,” she said.
Asked if she wanted another man in the White House, she replied: “I need a leader.”
Senior Democrats are briefing that they expect him to leave the race, possibly as early as this weekend.
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Who could replace Biden and how?
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On the campaign trail in North Carolina, his vice president, and possible substitute, Kamala Harris, side-stepped the drama but acknowledged how much is at stake.
“The most existential, consequential and important election of our lifetime,” she said.
When your party thinks your chances of winning are negative, one positive COVID test could have profound consequences.
Politically isolated in Washington, physically isolated in Delaware, Joe Biden has a decision to make.
