Biden Mulls Stepping Aside: Democratic Pressures Mount

U.S. President Joe Biden is seriously considering stepping aside as the Democratic presidential candidate, amid increasing pressure from party heavyweights and concerns about his age and ability to win. While some sources insist Biden is unwavering, others suggest his exit is imminent.

By Jeff Mason, Steve Holland, and Nandita Bose REHOBOTH BEACH, Delaware/WASHINGTON, July 18 (Reuters) -

U.S. President Joe Biden is seriously contemplating stepping aside as the Democratic presidential candidate, multiple insiders familiar with the issue have revealed. 'His soul searching is actually happening, I know that for a fact,' said one anonymous source. 'He's thinking about this very seriously.'

Biden, 81, has faced growing pressure from influential Democratic figures to relinquish his position after a poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, heightened apprehensions about his age and electoral viability. Despite this, Biden has staunchly defended his position, asserting that he has garnered millions of votes in recent primary contests and remains the choice of Democratic voters. As recently as Wednesday, he declared, 'I am all in' for the 2024 race.

Another source, a Democratic congressional aide, indicated that the situation is building towards an inevitable resolution. 'It feels like it's a matter of ... when, not if,' the aide remarked.

As Biden recovers from COVID-19 at his residence in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, he has no scheduled public engagements following his return from a trip to the political battleground state of Nevada on Wednesday. His campaign continues to concentrate on three of seven key battleground states, denying any plans for him to step down.

'He is not wavering on anything. The president has made his decision,' stated deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks in Milwaukee, where the Republican convention is occurring. 'Joe Biden has said he is running for president of the United States. Our campaign is moving forward.' However, another insider from Biden's campaign delivered a contradictory message: 'Yes, it's over. Just a matter of time.'