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US President Joe Biden has firmly committed to staying in the presidential race, citing divine intervention, conclusive data indicating he can’t win, a serious accident, or a significant health issue as potential reasons to reconsider. Despite increasing calls from his party to step down, Biden remains resolute and confident in his ability to defeat Donald Trump read more
 "4 reasons that could prompt Joe Biden to quit US presidential race... in his words")
United States President Joe Biden speaks at the 115th NAACP National Convention in Las Vegas, July 16, 2024. AP
United States President Joe Biden has consistently reiterated his unwavering commitment to staying in the presidential race, asserting with absolute certainty that he is “one thousand per cent” in the race.
However, in recent weeks, the embattled Democratic leader has hinted at possible reasons that might make him reconsider his candidacy, amid increasing calls from his party to step down.
Here are the factors Biden has mentioned—some serious, others less so—that could lead him to reconsider his run:
‘A heavenly intervention’
In a firm response, Biden made it clear he had no plans to withdraw.
During an interview with ABC News, George Stephanopoulos questioned the 81-year-old president on whether he believed he was the only one capable of defeating his Republican opponent, Donald Trump.
“I have convinced myself of two things,” Biden replied. “I’m the most qualified person to beat him, and I know how to get things done.”
When Stephanopoulos asked if he would step aside if convinced he couldn’t beat Trump, Biden responded, “It depends. I mean, if the Lord Almighty comes out and tells me that, I might do that.”
If the numbers can prove otherwise
Biden suggested he might reconsider if there was clear data indicating he couldn’t win.
At a press conference following the NATO summit in Washington, Biden was asked if he would withdraw if shown that US Vice President Kamala Harris had a better chance against Trump.
Also Read : Is Joe Biden mentally fit to run for US president? What’s the cognitive test that many want him to take?
Initially, he said “no,” but then clarified, “Unless they came back and said, ‘there’s no way you can win.’ Me. No one is saying that. No poll says that.”
Current polls indicate a tight race, with some giving Trump a slight edge, while others show no clear frontrunner.
‘Hit by a train’
Although not asked directly, Biden introduced a new hypothetical scenario.
During an interview with Speedy Morman on Complex, as the discussion was wrapping up, Morman asked, “We will 1,000 per cent — in your words — see you on the ballot this November?”
Biden quipped, “Unless I get hit by a train, yeah.”
Morman replied, “Let’s hope that doesn’t happen, for your safety’s concern.”
A health issue – of the serious kind
In an interview with BET journalist Ed Gordon, Biden was asked if there were any factors that might cause him to reassess his candidacy.
Biden mentioned a new reason, “If I had some medical condition that emerged. If doctors came to me and said, ‘you got this problem, that problem.’"
As the oldest person to serve as US president, the 81-year-old’s health has been under scrutiny. After his latest physical in February, US presidential physician Kevin O’Connor stated Biden “remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency.” A neurological exam showed no signs of stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease, and O’Connor deemed a cognitive exam unnecessary.
Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday while campaigning to gain support from key voters. The diagnosis led him to cancel a meeting with a Latino civil rights group in Nevada, a crucial battleground state.
Also Read: Does the virus still pose serious threat to those above 80?
With inputs from AP
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English (US) ·