President Joe Biden has now created an “off-ramp” to end his 2024 campaign without appearing to have bowed to pressure, according to widespread speculation.
In an interview with BET aired Wednesday, Biden said that he would consider ending his reelection bid if a doctor said he had “some medical condition” which would be considered a “problem.” The same day, he canceled a scheduled appearance in Las Vegas after catching COVID-19.
Paul Williams, executive director at the Center for Public Enterprise, was one of several suggesting that the timing of Biden’s COVID diagnosis following the interview statement has paved the way for him to end his 2024 campaign.
“First Biden says he might quit if a medical event emerges, then 2 hours later tests positive for COVID. He knew he was sick and was creating his off-ramp,” Williams posted on X, formerly Twitter. “While you all play checkers, Biden was playing chess……”
Right-wing broadcaster Mark Levin posted: “Biden announced he has COVID, after saying if he had a medical condition he might drop out of the presidential race. Well, look here … suddenly, an off-ramp exists should he take it.”
Cenk Uygur, founder of the progressive news program The Young Turks, added: “President Biden is now saying if a ‘medical condition’ was diagnosed he would step aside. That’s a huge difference from what he was saying before. And he told BET, ‘I was going to be a transitional candidate.’ It’s almost all over now. The transition has begun.”
T. Becket Adams, columnist and program director for the National Journalism Center, posted “There it is” while sharing a New York Post headline about Biden’s “medical condition” remark. “That’s the offramp that allows him to bail while setting up an ‘I could have won if not for X’ narrative. It gives him a dignified exit and a chance to shape his legacy into something not entirely pitiful.”
Biden’s office has been contacted for comment via email.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president, who is vaccinated and boosted, is suffering from “mild” symptoms and will continue his duties while self-isolating in Delaware.
Biden has been urged to end his reelection campaign in the wake of his languished CNN debate performance against Donald Trump on June 27. The president has long dismissed suggestions he will pull out the race, and insists he is still the best person to beat Trump in November.
President Joe Biden speaks at the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas on July 16, 2024. Speculation has risen that Biden has been provided with an “off-ramp” to end his 2024 campaign. President Joe Biden speaks at the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas on July 16, 2024. Speculation has risen that Biden has been provided with an “off-ramp” to end his 2024 campaign. Kent Nishimura / AFP/Getty Images
The off-ramp speculation arrived as leading Democratic figures were reported to have urged Biden to end his 2024 campaign.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are said to have urged the president to reconsider his reelection bid during private meetings with Biden, reported The New York Times and ABC News.
Responding to the reports, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said: “The President told both leaders he is the nominee of the party, he plans to win, and looks forward to working with both of them to pass his 100 days agenda to help working families.”
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is also said to have expressed concerns about Biden’s polling against Trump in a recent phone call with the president, reported CNN.
On Wednesday, California Representative Adam Schiff became the 20th Democratic member of Congress to publicly call on Biden to end his presidential campaign.
Has Joe Biden Given Himself Off-Ramp to Exit Race?
