Former US President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have reportedly expressed support for Joe Biden in his bid to remain the Democratic Party’s candidate in the November 5th presidential election. NBC News and CNN cite anonymous sources that claim the Clintons are “deferential” towards the incumbent head of state and are willing to help with his campaign any way they can.
These revelations come amidst growing unrest within the Democratic Party, as a significant number of lawmakers and donors call on President Biden to step down from his re-election bid. Doubts about Biden’s capability to serve another term have arisen after his widely criticized performance at last month’s CNN debate against Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, in which he appeared disoriented and struggled to finish sentences.
NBC News estimates that the number of congressional Democrats opposing a Biden ticket has reached 35 by Friday. Notable figures such as former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have expressed concerns about the incumbent’s chances of winning against Trump in November. A recent poll published by AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that almost two-thirds of rank-and-file Democrats want Biden to withdraw from the race.
Despite facing opposition, President Biden has vowed to return to the campaign trail next week and has consistently reiterated that he is the strongest Democratic candidate to challenge Trump in the upcoming election. NBC News further alleges that the president feels “personally hurt” and “betrayed” by the lack of support from some Democrats for his candidacy.