Former US President Barack Obama recently told close allies that President Joe Biden's chances of victory have declined significantly, and he believes Biden should seriously consider the viability of his candidacy, multiple sources cited by the Washington Post said.
Obama has spoken to Biden only once since the debate, but has been clear in his conversations with other Democrats that the future of Biden's candidacy is a decision the president must make alone. Obama has emphasized that his primary concern is protecting Biden and his political legacy, and has resisted the idea that he can single-handedly influence Biden's decision.
Behind the scenes, however, Obama has been heavily engaged in talks about the future of the Biden campaign, taking calls from many worried Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He has shared his views on the challenges facing Biden.
A spokesman for Obama declined to comment. Obama is seen as an adviser and support figure to his former vice president and has expressed his desire to protect Biden's achievements, which could be in jeopardy if Republicans take control of the White House and both houses of Congress next year.
Obama, who has always relied on data for his political analysis, has said he is concerned about the polls moving against Biden, Donald Trump's widening path to victory and declining donor support for the president.
Publicly, Biden and his advisers remain adamant that the president will not drop out of the race. On Wednesday, Biden cut short his campaign in Las Vegas after testing positive for the coronavirus. He returned to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware to remain in quarantine.
Obama's concern comes amid growing anxiety in the Democratic Party about Biden's chances and their potential impact on other candidates. Democratic donors, activists and elected officials are increasingly turning to a small group of veteran leaders to help find a way out of the crisis created by Biden's lackluster showing in the June 27 debate.
Obama, as the party's most respected figure, has tried to keep a low profile, hoping to use his longtime friendship with Biden, but his role as party leader from 2008 to 2016 has made him a central figure in the party. .
Some of Biden's advisers are angry at Obama's role in those talks, blaming him for failing to keep the party united behind Biden's candidacy. After the debate, Obama posted a message of support for Biden on social media, but has since remained publicly silent.