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As President Joe Biden recovers from COVID-19 at his Delaware beach house, he faces mounting pressure from key Democratic allies to step aside in the upcoming election. This article explores the internal political dynamics, Biden’s strained relationships with figures like Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi, and the potential implications for the Democratic Party.
Secluded in Rehoboth, Biden Stews at Allies’ Pressure to Drop Out of the Race
As President Joe Biden recovers from COVID-19, he finds himself isolated not only by his illness but also by a growing sense of abandonment from key Democratic allies. The pressure from his party to step aside has intensified, leaving him stewing in resentment at his Delaware beach house. Biden’s frustration is compounded by what he perceives as a coordinated effort to push him out of the race, orchestrated by figures he once considered close, including former President Barack Obama.
Political Longevity and Current Challenges
Biden’s extensive political experience has given him the insight to suspect that recent media leaks are designed to increase the pressure on him to withdraw. He views former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as the main instigator but also harbors irritation towards Obama, whom he sees as a behind-the-scenes manipulator.
The friction between Biden and the leaders of his party is unprecedented in recent Washington history. The Democrats advocating for his departure were crucial to his success over the past decade. Obama elevated Biden from a failed presidential candidate to vice president, setting the stage for his 2020 presidential victory. Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer played pivotal roles in advancing his legislative achievements.
Health and Isolation
Sources close to Biden describe a president struggling with COVID-19 symptoms, coughing and hacking while isolated from the corridors of power. This period of illness has coincided with a barrage of news stories suggesting a bleak outlook for the Democratic Party in the upcoming November elections. Biden is acutely aware of the warnings from Schumer, Pelosi, Obama, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, predicting a devastating defeat.
Obama’s lack of recent support has particularly stung Biden. The former president’s aides have publicly called for Biden to step aside, interpreted by many as a message from Obama’s camp. This perceived betrayal adds a Shakespearean layer to their relationship, considering their eight-year partnership in the White House.
Public vs. Private Sentiments
Publicly, Biden and his team insist that he will remain in the race. Privately, however, there is growing acceptance that he may need to step aside. Some advisers are already discussing potential dates and venues for an announcement.
One complicating factor is the upcoming visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington, an event initiated by Republicans. Biden is reluctant to step down before this visit, not wanting to give Netanyahu any satisfaction, given their strained relationship over the Gaza war. However, the pressure from his party may ultimately force his hand.
Resentment and Reflection
Biden’s resentment extends beyond Obama. He has privately railed against aides to former President Bill Clinton, finding it ironic that those who oversaw historic Democratic losses in the 1994 and 2010 midterm elections are now lecturing him on saving the party. While he does not hold a grudge against Clinton himself, he views Obama differently.
Representative Gerald E. Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia, expressed sympathy for Biden, acknowledging the painful nature of the criticism. Connolly noted the “cold calculus of politics,” reflecting the harsh reality that Biden faces.
Growing Calls for Withdrawal
More congressional Democrats have publicly urged Biden to pass the torch to another candidate. Senators Martin Heinrich of New Mexico and Sherrod Brown of Ohio, along with at least nine House Democrats, have joined the chorus. Representative Zoe Lofgren, a close ally of Pelosi, is among them.
The fact that Pelosi’s allies are speaking out is seen as significant by Biden’s team in Rehoboth Beach. When Representative Adam B. Schiff of California criticized Biden, a Biden administration official noted that it was likely Pelosi’s influence behind the scenes.
Personal Encounters and Public Statements
Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, a Pelosi rival, described a disconcerting encounter with Biden at the D-Day anniversary commemoration in France. Moulton noted that Biden “didn’t seem to recognize me,” raising concerns about his cognitive abilities. Moulton’s public call for Biden to drop out echoed these sentiments.
In response, Biden issued a statement reaffirming his intention to stay in the race. He expressed his determination to continue campaigning and highlighted his record and vision for America. The White House and Biden’s campaign chairwoman, Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, have also denied rumors of his imminent withdrawal.
Campaign Challenges
Despite the denials, Dillon acknowledged the difficulties faced by Biden’s campaign, including a decline in support. She emphasized that the American people were already aware of Biden’s age but believed he could still do the job.
Biden’s struggle with COVID-19 has added another layer of complexity. While isolated in Rehoboth, he has continued to receive support from close aides. His wife, Jill Biden, has also been by his side, though staying in a separate room to avoid infection.
Complicated Relationships
Biden’s relationship with Obama remains a focal point of his current predicament. Despite their past friendship and partnership, Biden has harbored a grudge ever since Obama discouraged him from running in 2016, favoring Hillary Clinton instead. This tension has resurfaced as Biden grapples with calls for his withdrawal.
Obama’s last public appearance with Biden was at a Hollywood fundraiser before the June debate. Observers noted that Obama seemed visibly shaken by Biden’s apparent aging and disorientation. This fundraiser, initially a significant financial boost for the campaign, has since fallen short of expectations.
Empathy and Strategy
Many of Biden’s associates have refrained from making harsh public statements out of empathy and a desire not to provoke him further. However, the number of congressional Democrats privately hoping for Biden to step aside is reportedly much higher than those who have spoken out publicly.
Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, a close ally of Biden, has defended his ability to serve a second term, citing his recent work and campaign efforts. Coons’ impassioned defense highlights the divided sentiments within the Democratic Party.
Conclusion
President Biden’s current situation is a complex interplay of health challenges, political pressure, and strained relationships with key allies. As he recovers from COVID-19, he faces an unprecedented campaign from within his own party urging him to step aside. The next steps he takes will have significant implications for the Democratic Party and the upcoming election.
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