Joe Biden it turned out positive for Covid-19, forcing him to abruptly end his campaign in Las Vegas, Nevada, and hastily retreat to his private residence in Delaware. Despite mild symptoms, the White House reassured the public of his health, confirming that he was vaccinated and received the booster. “He presents only mild symptoms,” specified spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre. The president himself reassured his supporters through X: "I will continue to serve the American people."
Meanwhile, new speculations are opening up about one of his possible withdrawal since the race for the White House. According to sources cited by CNN, Biden has shown himself open to discussions on his political destiny, asking his advisors the question whether Kamala Harris might be able to win the elections.
This situation is extremely delicate for the president, especially after the televised confrontation with Donald Trump and a series of gaffes. A few hours before the announcement of the Covid positive result, Biden had surprisingly indicated his willingness to retire if recommended by doctors, an unexpected change of tone that shocked many in the party.
Pressure for Biden's withdrawal: fears of a second Trump presidency
Joe Biden's words of comfort have not eased tensions within the Democratic Party. According to an Ap-Ncor poll, as many as two-thirds of Democratic voters would prefer Biden to withdraw from the race. Further internal party investigations suggest that potential alternative candidates would be more likely to beat Donald Trump in the next election.
Among those who have urged Biden to consider withdrawal is Adam Schiff, congressman from California and close longtime ally of the former speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. While acknowledging Biden's contributions as one of the most significant presidents in American history, Schiff emphasized the need to pass the baton to ensure a Democratic victory in November. “A second Trump presidency would undermine the very foundations of our democracy,” she said.
Pelosi herself, in a recent private conversation, reportedly warned Biden that the polls clearly indicate his inability to defeat Trump. As reported by CNN and confirmed by four sources briefed on the call, Pelosi expressed concern about Democrats' chances of maintaining control of the House if Biden continues to seek a second term.
Biden rejected these predictions, assuring Pelosi that he had seen polls that suggest just the opposite. However, one source described Biden as "defensive" about polling data.
The Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader, insinuated that it might be more advantageous for Biden to withdraw, although the Democratic team denied these rumors. Hakeem Jeffries expressed concern about Biden's candidacy, but the White House reiterated that the president has communicated to party leaders that he is determined to remain the nominee and expects to win.
The nomination and role of Kamala Harris
The leaders of the Democratic Party have announced that they want to accelerate the nomination process of Joe Biden through a early voting, scheduled for the first week of August rather than waiting for the Democratic convention scheduled for August 19 in Chicago. This decision has sparked criticism within the party, as some believe it could be interpreted as an attempt to force Biden's candidacy without examining viable alternatives.
In the event that Biden decides to withdraw from the presidential race, Kamala Harris is considered the favorite to replace him. The vice president is seen as a figure capable of obtaining significant consensus within the party and of effectively leading the electoral campaign against Donald Trump, aiming for victory in the presidential elections.
