Early Friday morning, prominent Democratic strategists, experts and former officials joined the call for Mr. Biden to resign. I appeared on Morning Joe, the American political morning show that the President often watches. Joe Scarborough, the program's host and the president's advocate, pointed out that while Mr. Biden may still rule the country, he may no longer have what it takes to win an election.
So what happens to Joe Biden?
First, it is important to remember that the decision whether to continue or not is entirely his. At this point, it's virtually impossible to get him off the ticket if he doesn't want to back out. One campaign source said the decision to resign would be made by a very small group that would include the president, his wife and his sister Val Biden.
Second, the debate about whether to replace Mr. Biden is now happening publicly among experts and former officials, but still privately only among those with real influence.
In fact, this morning several of the president's allies (even those who, awkwardly, have been mentioned as potential replacements) took to television and social media to defend the president.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he was “very proud of the president.” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro told Democrats to “not worry.” Sen. John Fetterman was blunt: “I refuse to join the Democratic eagle on Biden’s shoulders.”
From what I've reported, there will be no immediate changes. The team wants to give the president a chance to come out in public and erase any memories of his debate appearance. He holds rallies and public events where he says he will be strong and vibrant.
On Saturday, Mr. Biden is scheduled to travel to the Hamptons in New York for a fundraising event with Democratic donors.
According to sources close to the campaign, there is currently only a 5 percent chance that he will step down. But they acknowledge that if donors abandon him in large numbers, that could change and a quicker decision on his candidacy could be made.
