According to a senior Democratic adviser, President Biden is now privately “open to” the possibility of abandoning his 2024 re-election campaign.
The 81-year-old president, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, has so far remained adamant he will remain in the race for the White House despite multiple calls from Democrats to resign following the debate debacle three weeks ago.
“He’s open to receptiveness. He’s not as rebellious as he appears in public,” a senior Democratic adviser told CNN late Wednesday.
“He’s gone from saying, ‘Kamala can’t win,’ to saying, ‘Do you think Kamala can win?'” the adviser continued. “It remains to be seen where he lands, but he seems to be listening.”
The official added that discussions about Biden’s future were continuing privately with congressional officials.
But Biden’s campaign has denied claims that he is reconsidering the presidency.
“If facts matter, and they should matter, then one thing can be said: President Biden is the Democratic nominee and he will win the election in November,” said Kevin Munoz, a spokesman for Biden.