Democratic Leaders Express Concerns as Biden Pauses Campaign Due to COVID-19

President Joe Biden's campaign has hit a new roadblock as he battles a COVID-19 infection, bringing to light fresh concerns from top Democratic leaders about his ability to lead the party in the upcoming election. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have reportedly met with Biden privately, urging him to consider stepping aside due to worries about his age and the impact on other races. Additionally, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has voiced her doubts about Biden's chances of defeating Donald Trump in November's election.

On Wednesday night, the White House confirmed that the 81-year-old president tested positive for COVID-19, experiencing mild symptoms. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre assured the public that Biden, who is vaccinated and boosted, would continue to perform his duties from isolation at his home in Delaware.

Dr. Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, reported that Biden showed upper respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose and a cough, and has started treatment with Paxlovid. Despite feeling well earlier in the day and engaging with supporters in Las Vegas, Biden canceled a campaign speech that night after testing positive.

Biden took to X/Twitter to express gratitude for the well wishes and to reaffirm his commitment to working for the American people during his recovery. In a subsequent tweet, his account criticized Elon Musk and wealthy individuals for attempting to influence the election, urging supporters to contribute to his campaign.

The president's visit to a vibrant Mexican restaurant in Las Vegas, where he interacted with diners and took selfies, was abruptly cut short as reporters were quickly moved to the city's airport. The campaign stop, meant to boost Biden's appeal among Hispanic voters, was overshadowed by his COVID diagnosis and subsequent isolation.

This setback comes at a crucial time for Biden, who has been striving to regain support among Hispanic voters. His re-election campaign has faced mounting challenges, including a poor debate performance against Trump and increasing calls from Democratic lawmakers for him to withdraw from the race. Influential figures like Congressman Adam Schiff have publicly urged Biden to "pass the torch" to ensure a stronger Democratic ticket.

Reports indicate that Schumer and Jeffries conveyed to Biden the concerns of fellow lawmakers about his candidacy potentially harming Democratic chances in both the House and Senate races. While Schumer's office dismissed these reports as "idle speculation," it acknowledged that the Democratic leader had communicated the views of his caucus to the president.

In a recent interview with BET, Biden expressed his reluctance to step down, citing the deep division within the country. However, he also mentioned for the first time that he would consider withdrawing if advised by his doctors due to a medical condition.

As Biden navigates this latest challenge, the Democratic Party grapples with uncertainty and seeks to solidify its strategy for the upcoming election. The president's health and campaign trajectory remain focal points as the race for the White House intensifies.