Despite a "disastrous" US Presidential debate performance against Donald Trump, President Joe Biden is “absolutely not” pulling out of the White House race. Biden’s faltering delivery and rambling comments, especially at the beginning of the debate, raised concerns among members of his own Democratic Party, about whether, at the age of 81, he is up to the task of leading the country for another four years, reported Associated Press.
The New York Times and CNN reported that he had acknowledged to a key ally that his reelection was on the line if he didn’t quickly convince people that he was still up to the task. However, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre rejected those reports outright and insisted that Biden had “absolutely” no intention of withdrawing as a nominee. She said that Biden is “clear-eyed and he is staying in the race”.
"Let me say this as clearly as I possibly can — as simply and straightforward as I can: I am running...no one's pushing me out. I'm not leaving. I'm in this race to the end and we're going to win," was quoted as saying by Politico.
The Biden campaign has been desperate to reassure Democratic donors and voters that the debate performance was a one-off and not a fatal blow in hopes for a second term.
Kamala Harris Could Replace Trump
Amid the concerns, Vice-President Kamala Harris is the top alternative to replace Biden if he decides not to continue in the race, seven senior officials involved in the Biden campaign told news agency Reuters.
Other democrats who can take over from Biden are California’s Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, and Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro among others. However, stepping over Harris would be mighty difficult for these Democrat leaders, a source told Reuters.
Harris (59) could take over the funds raised by Biden and the campaign infrastructure if she is named the party's nominee. With the highest name recognition among all the alternatives, Harris could be considered a candidate, as per Reuters sources.