US President Joe Biden is taking calls to resign as the Democratic presidential candidate seriously, citing sources familiar with the matter, Reuters reports, UNN writes.
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"His soul searching is actually happening, I know that for a fact," said one of the sources, who requested anonymity. "He's thinking about this very seriously."
Biden, 81, has faced growing pressure from heavyweights in his party to cede his position at the top of the ticket after a poor debate performance against former US President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, raised concerns about his age and ability to win in November.
The US president has defiantly opposed these calls, arguing that he won millions of votes in the primaries over the past few months and is the choice of Democratic voters. Most recently, on Wednesday, he assured: "I am fully" in the 2024 race.
Another source, a Democratic congressional aide, said the "writing appears to be on the wall" for the president after lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, reportedly called on him to drop out of the race.
"It feels like it's a matter of... when, not if," the aide said.
Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, a close Biden ally, told CNN on Thursday that Biden will "rest and reflect" this weekend while he recovers from COVID-19.
He is reportedly making requests for information about polling data and seriously weighing the opinions of those he trusts and admires, Coons said, adding that he believes Biden is the best candidate to run in 2024.
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Biden is recuperating at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. He had no public events on Thursday after completing a trip Wednesday to politically swing state Nevada.
After the debate, Biden's campaign focused on three of the seven battleground states, which is a narrow path to victory, but dismissed suggestions that he was ready to step aside.
"He's not wavering on anything. The president has made his decision," said Deputy Campaign Manager Quentin Fulks in Milwaukee, where the Republican convention was held. - "Joe Biden has announced that he is running for president of the United States. Our campaign is moving forward.
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Another source, a representative of Biden's campaign headquarters, said the opposite: "Yes, it's over. It's just a matter of time.
Colorado Democratic Senator John Hickenlooper said that he believes Biden is working on a decision whether to stay in the presidential race and will choose what is good for the country.
"Joe Biden has always put country first. He did what was best for America... I think he'll continue to do that," Hickenlooper told Reuters on Wednesday evening, adding that there are signs that it would be best for the U.S. if he stepped aside.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has backed Congressman Adam Schiff's call for Biden to resign, according to a senior White House source with direct knowledge of the situation. But a source close to Pelosi - one of the most influential members of Biden's Democratic Party - said Schiff did not consult with Pelosi before making his concerns public.