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Re-election Campaign Faces New Hurdles As Biden's Covid and Discord Test Unity

 July 18, 2024

President Joe Biden’s re-election efforts have hit a critical juncture, as he battles a Covid-19 infection amidst rising discord among senior Democrats.

The combination of Biden's health setback and concern from top Democratic leaders could heavily impact the party's chances in the upcoming election, Daily Mail reported.

President Biden has paused his campaign activities after testing positive for Covid-19. Confirmed by his press secretary on Wednesday, Biden is experiencing mild symptoms and will isolate at his Delaware home, where he will continue to perform his presidential duties.

The announcement follows Biden’s recent active schedule, which included a visit to Las Vegas to engage with supporters and speak at an event. Despite his diagnosis, Biden, who has been vaccinated and boosted, reassured the public, stating, "Good, I feel good."

During his trip to Las Vegas, Biden sought to bolster support among Hispanic voters. However, campaign reporters were abruptly rushed from a campaign stop to the airport as word of his Covid infection broke, overshadowing his efforts.

Growing Concerns Among Democratic Leaders

In parallel, Biden faces increasing unease from prominent Democrats regarding his re-election bid. Internal meetings have revealed significant worries about his potential impact on the party's success in the forthcoming November elections. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have been vocal in these private discussions.

Pelosi, in particular, has directly communicated her concerns to Biden. She referenced polling data suggesting he could not win against former President Donald Trump. Additionally, Pelosi sought insights from Biden's long-time adviser following their conversation.

Biden's recent performance in a debate with Trump last month further fueled the skepticism, as some key figures in the party believe his showing was underwhelming. Schumer conveyed his caucus’s concerns directly to Biden, though his office dismissed further speculation about the issue.

Discussion of Potential Succession

Amid the unfolding scenario, there have been calls from various Democratic politicians, including Adam Schiff, for Biden to step aside. Schiff praised Biden's presidency but suggested it might be time for a new candidate to take the lead, noting that Biden "has been one of the most consequential presidents in our nation’s history" and that he could "secure his legacy of leadership" by passing the torch.

Biden responded to the dissent by reaffirming his commitment to his candidacy. Andrew Bates, a spokesperson for Biden's campaign, emphasized that Biden conveyed to both Schumer and Jeffries his intent to win and his desire to work with them to advance his agenda for American families.

Biden has also indicated that he might consider stepping down only if advised to do so by his doctors due to a health condition. This acknowledgment has left room for future decisions based on medical assessments.

Biden’s Symptoms and Continued Engagement

Following his positive Covid diagnosis, Dr. Kevin O'Connor reported that Biden is dealing with upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and cough, and has been prescribed Paxlovid. Despite his symptoms, Biden remains committed to fulfilling his presidential responsibilities.

Biden took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude for well-wishers and to stress his resolve to keep working for the American people during his recovery. He also used the platform to voice frustration over attempts by wealthy individuals to sway the election, specifically mentioning Elon Musk and calling for campaign donations.

Conclusion

The convergence of Biden’s health challenges and internal party dissent creates a precarious situation for his re-election campaign. As Biden isolates and carries out his duties from home, the Democratic Party faces internal debates about the best path forward. With key figures like Schumer, Jeffries, and Pelosi expressing reservations, and calls for succession growing louder, the path to the upcoming November election remains fraught with uncertainty.

President Biden halts his re-election campaign activities due to a Covid-19 infection, while facing increased dissent among top Democrats. His recent debate performance and internal concerns about the party’s prospects in November add to the challenges, leading to calls for possibly considering a new Democratic candidate.