Mark Halperin reported on X that President Joe Biden is expected to withdraw from the presidential race as early as Sunday, citing unnamed sources. According to Halperin, Biden plans to endorse an open convention and will not endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. The report suggests that Biden’s withdrawal could be announced this weekend, with Jon Meacham preparing remarks. Biden, however, will reportedly not resign the presidency and will allow for a new Democratic nominee to emerge through an open convention.
NEW: #Biden campaign @TDucklo tells me this is “entirely inaccurate.”
Another #Biden aide tells me:
“The President is more committed than ever to winning this election.” @JoeBiden @POTUS #JoeBiden— Brooke Singman (@BrookeSingman) July 18, 2024
The report also indicated that superdelegates will not be allowed to vote on the first ballot, and Harris is considering at least four potential running mates, including Andy Beshear and possibly Shapiro. Halperin’s report further mentioned discussions on what Nancy Pelosi wants to happen if Biden steps down, Harris’s potential reluctance to pursue the nomination, and upcoming details of Donald Trump’s acceptance speech.
Mark Halperin: “According to my sources, President Biden has agreed to step down as the Democratic nominee. It will happen as early as this weekend.”
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) July 18, 2024
In response, Biden’s camp, represented by spokesperson TJ Ducklo, called the report “entirely inaccurate.” Ducklo reaffirmed that “The President is more committed than ever to winning this election,” despite intense public and private pressure and recent polling showing Biden trailing.
The speculation about Biden’s potential withdrawal has been fueled by reported pressures from within the Democratic Party, including from high-profile figures such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and former President Barack Obama. Biden’s team has been actively reassuring donors and politicians about his fitness to serve.
Biden had previously stated in an interview with BET that he would step down if a medical condition necessitated it. This statement came before he was diagnosed with COVID-19, leading to the cancellation of his remaining campaign events in Nevada.
