The first lady is the only person who can persuade the US president to drop out of the race, a source told the network
Following a contentious debate with Republican challenger Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden is expected to discuss the future of his re-election campaign with his family. According to NBC News, sources indicate that the only opinion that will influence Biden’s decision is that of his wife, Jill.
Thursday’s televised face-off highlighted concerns regarding the 81-year-old president’s fitness for office. Biden’s performance during the debate was widely described in the media as “incoherent,” “stumbling” and “unclear”. Numerous reports suggest that senior Democrats and their donors are actively advocating for his withdrawal from the race.
NBC cited five sources familiar with the situation, revealing that Joe and Jill Biden will join their children and grandchildren at Camp David on Sunday as part of a pre-planned trip. The network stated that there is “an understanding among top Democrats that Biden should be given space to determine next steps” and that “only the president, in consultation with his family, can decide whether to move forward or to end his campaign early”.
One source informed the outlet that only two individuals have a genuine say in the matter – the president and his wife. “Anyone who doesn’t understand how deeply personal and familial this decision will be isn’t knowledgeable about the situation,” he added.
Another NBC source echoed this sentiment, stating: “The only person who has ultimate influence with him is the first lady. If she decides there should be a change of course, there will be a change of course”.
Despite the debate being widely perceived as a setback for Biden, his team has publicly asserted that he has no plans to withdraw from the race. The president has acknowledged his less-than-stellar performance against Trump, stating at a rally on Friday: “I don’t debate as well as I used to,” but “know how to tell the truth… I know right from wrong. And I know how to do this job, I know how to get things done. And I know what millions of Americans know: When you get knocked down, you get back up.”