As pressure mounts for Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race, a new and influential voice has joined the chorus: his former boss, President Barack Obama. According to a report from the Washington Post, Obama has “told allies” that Biden may not have a viable path to victory and should reconsider his plan to seek a second term in the White House.
Obama, who has only spoken to Biden once since his disastrous debate against former President Donald Trump on June 27, has reportedly been more candid with others in the party about his concerns for Biden’s campaign. Obama is said to be worried about Biden’s legacy. Sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, have suggested that Biden’s decision at this juncture could determine whether he is remembered positively or negatively.
“His choice is to be one of history’s heroes or to ensure there will never be a Biden presidential library,” a friend of Biden told Axios. “I pray that he does the right thing. He’s leaning in that direction.”
Obama has also spoken to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who has expressed her concerns about Biden’s candidacy, as well as other “anxious Democrats,” the Washington Post reports.