REHOBOTH BEACH, Delaware/MILWAUKEE — President Joe Biden is “soul searching” about potentially dropping out of his Democratic reelection campaign, a source revealed, while Donald Trump gears up to accept the Republican presidential nomination with what aides describe as a particularly introspective speech.
The political fortunes of the two candidates appeared to diverge on Thursday as the November 5 election approaches.
Biden, 81, is isolating at his Delaware home after contracting COVID-19 and is facing mounting pressure from Democrats to step aside to avoid a landslide defeat. His doctor reported that he is experiencing mild symptoms.
In contrast, Trump, 78, has enjoyed a week of celebration at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, following a weekend assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally.
For the fourth night in a row, Trump made a dramatic entrance into the convention arena, still sporting a bandage over the ear wounded in the attack, receiving thunderous applause.
Trump’s acceptance speech, set for 10 p.m. Eastern Time (0200 GMT on Friday), is expected to outline his vision for a second White House term before a primetime national TV audience.
Speakers on Thursday included conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan, and mixed martial arts promoter Dana White.
John Nieporte, the head pro at Trump’s Florida golf club, praised Trump’s golf skills, claiming the former president had won 21 club championships. “Joe Biden? Zero,” Nieporte said, referencing a surreal moment from the June 27 presidential debate when Trump and Biden debated their golfing abilities.
Biden is under growing pressure from key Democratic figures to withdraw from the race, following an erratic performance during the debate. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is among those urging him to step aside, according to a White House source.
While Biden has insisted for weeks that he would remain in the race, sources indicate he is now seriously considering stepping down, with multiple Democratic officials believing an exit is imminent.
Close associates told the New York Times that Biden is beginning to accept the possibility of dropping out.
Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have warned Biden that his candidacy could jeopardize their efforts to reclaim the House and retain the Senate.
Opinion polls show Biden trailing in four of the seven most competitive states. The Trump campaign believes it is now competitive in traditionally Democratic states like Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Virginia.
Senator Jon Tester, facing a tough reelection battle in Montana, became the 21st congressional Democrat and the second senator to publicly call for Biden to step aside.
“He’s done what’s best for America … I think he’ll keep doing so,” Democratic Senator John Hickenlooper told Reuters, while declining to say if he believed Biden should withdraw.
Former President Barack Obama has reportedly advised Biden, his former vice president, to reconsider his candidacy, the Washington Post reported.
Republican Unity
Trump will close the four-day Republican convention with his first public address since the assassination attempt.
Lara Trump, the nominee’s daughter-in-law and Republican National Committee co-chair, said the attack had prompted Trump to revise his acceptance speech to focus more on unity.
“I don’t think you can go through what he went through on Saturday, really a near-death experience, and not come out on the other side impacted,” Lara Trump said.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who might contend for the Democratic nomination if Biden withdraws, dismissed Trump’s call for unity, citing his refusal to acknowledge his 2020 election defeat.
“We’re too busy watching what you’re doing to hear what you’re saying,” she said at a rally in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
With most dissent silenced and his grip on the Republican Party stronger than ever, Trump is in a prime position to advance his agenda if he wins the election.