This morning, it was reported that Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), his party’s nominee for Senate, called on Biden to step aside. Schiff is a prominent Democrat, but also closely aligned with ex-speaker Nancy Pelosi, making his words carry even more weight.
Later in the day, Biden’s covid diagnosis was reported.
Here’s Dan Balz in today’s Washington Post:
Biden has rebuffed all calls for him to step aside, has retreated to what is described as a shrinking inner circle of advisers and remains confident in his ability to win the election even if two-thirds of Democrats nationally say he should pass the torch, according to a new AP/NORC poll.
The covid diagnosis adds to Biden’s string of bad luck, possibly drawing more attention to his age and physical strength. Since the debate, he has stepped up his schedule and his travels, holding rallies, doing interviews and conducting Zoom conversations with different groups from his party.
At times, he has been vigorous and energetic. At other times, not so. Even at his best, he has not put to rest concerns about his capacity to win the election and serve another four years.