President Joe Biden is facing even more pressure to quit the 2024 presidential race, with two key Democratic allies Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer reportedly privately telling him his time is up as he grapples with a Covid diagnosis and a resurgent Donald Trump going from strength to strength since surviving an assassination attempt.
The former House speaker and Senate majority leader have reportedly each held separate talks with the president in recent days, warning that he cannot beat Trump and risks dragging down the entire party in November.
While publicly Biden has vowed he will stay on the ticket, a source told CNN his defiance is softening and he is now “more receptive to calls of concern” about his prospects. Reporting by Axios goes as far as suggesting he could drop out as soon as this weekend.
On Wednesday, Biden was forced to pull out of a campaign stop in Las Vegas after he tested positive for the coronavirus.
The White House insists he is only experiencing “mild symptoms” but Biden was seen gingerly walking up the steps of Air Force One in Nevada.
The diagnosis came just hours after the president said he would bow out only “if doctors came to me and said you got this problem, that problem”.
Retired journalist, who covered Biden since 1971 says he ‘should never have sought second term’
In a Mississippi Today op-ed, journalist Curtis Wilkie, who has “known Joe Biden longer than any reporter who ever covered him,” says “Biden should never have sought a second term”.
He concludes his remembrances of Biden’s long career by writing:
I wish that Biden had lived up to his promise in 2020 to be a “transitional president.” He had succeeded in driving Trump from the White House. His presidency has been mostly successful and free of catastrophe. Months ago Biden could have delivered a statesmanlike speech — prepared to serve out his four-year term and ready to leave the job to a younger generation. To walk away, genuinely able to say, “Mission Accomplished.”
Instead, his Democratic Party is faced with its worst nightmare, the distinct possibility of a sweeping victory in November for Trump and his MAGA followers. And instead of leaving a strong personal legacy, Biden may be remembered in the history of this turbulent period as a selfish man, weakened by age, who clung to his office too long.
Oliver O’Connell18 July 2024 21:00
Trump announces death of Lou Dobbs
Donald Trump has announced the death of Lou Dobbs, the conservative political commentator and TV personality.
The former president wrote on Truth Social:
The Great Lou Dobbs has just passed away — A friend, and truly incredible Journalist, Reporter, and Talent. He understood the World, and what was “happening,” better than others. Lou was unique in so many ways, and loved our Country. Our warmest condolences to his wonderful wife, Debi, and family. He will be greatly missed!
Oliver O’Connell18 July 2024 20:59
George W Bush poked fun at both Biden and Trump’s ages in speech
“I’m younger than both of the candidates, and I’m too old,” Bush said in at least one speech, a witness told USA Today.
Oliver O’Connell18 July 2024 20:45
Oliver O’Connell18 July 2024 20:15
Oliver O’Connell18 July 2024 20:07
Feds told lawmakers about Trump rally shooter’s ominous social media post. Now they say it’s ‘fake’
The FBI has now backtracked on information about the social media footprint of Donald Trump’s would-be assassin, after briefing lawmakers on what they believed to be his ominous online post.
In a briefing call with Senate and House lawmakers on Wednesday, FBI and Secret Service officials shared new details about 20-year-old gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks and his movements in the lead-up to the shooting – including a chilling message left on the online gamer platform Steam.
Rachel Sharp has the latest.
Oliver O’Connell18 July 2024 19:45
Who could be Kamala Harris’s running mate if Joe Biden drops out?
Eric Garcia looks at the possible candidates.
Oliver O’Connell18 July 2024 19:30
IN FOCUS: Leave Biden alone – at 81 I was working full-time, swimming three times a week and had five girlfriends
Hunter Davies, aged 88, says there may be good reasons for him to pass the torch, but it shouldn’t be his age alone.
Oliver O’Connell18 July 2024 19:15
Trump losing to younger Democrat in swing states, first major poll since assassination attempt shows
In Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin Trump is leading by three points, in Georgia by five, in Pennsylvania by six, in North Carolina by nine and in Arizona by 10.
The numbers are a bad sign for Biden who is already facing doubts about his ability to campaign and win the November election. Members of his own party have asked him to step aside and make room for a different, younger, candidate.
And the poll from Emerson supports that idea.
Ariana Baio and Alicja Hagopian look at the numbers.
Oliver O’Connell18 July 2024 18:53
Biden will ‘continue to conduct the business of the American people’, his doctor writes
Dr Kevin O’Connor, physician to the president, has shared an update on the status of Joe Biden following yesterday’s positive test for Covid-19.
The President is still experiencing mild upper respiratory symptoms associated with his recent Covid-19 infection. He continues to receive Paxlovid.
He does not have a fever and his vital signs remain normal. He will continue to conduct the business of the American people.
With the president’s permission, I will continue to provide regular updates, as we have done before.
The update was shared with the media by the White House Press Office.
Oliver O’Connell18 July 2024 18:49