Rumors are getting louder

Biden counted out? Democrats for “mini primaries”

(Bild: AP)

The rumors about a possible end to Joe Biden's renewed candidacy for US president are getting louder and louder. A high-ranking Democrat has now explained to CNN the possible course of events following Biden's withdrawal.

Congressman Jim Clyburn - who enjoys a reputation as a kingmaker among the Democrats - told CNN that there could be "mini primaries". If Vice President Kamala Harris were to run as a candidate for the presidential election, she would also need a new running mate herself. "And so all of that would give us an opportunity to look at not only who should be at the top of the ticket, but who would be best suited for the second spot." Clyburn had already spoken out in favor of Harris as a replacement candidate on Tuesday, should it come to that.

Harris in first place despite reservations
In the past few days, it had also been reported in Democratic circles that Harris was in first place among the possible candidates despite all reservations. The 59-year-old has struggled in office and was long seen by many in Biden's campaign team as a potential liability. In a Reuters/Ipsos survey published on Tuesday, she, like Biden, was effectively tied with Republican candidate Donald Trump. According to the survey, other potential candidates fared rather worse.

Vice President Kamala Harris could run as a candidate for the presidential election.

(Bild: AP)

Behind the scenes, things are likely to be simmering among the Democrats: Biden picked up the phone himself for crisis talks, according to the White House. On Wednesday, he spoke on the phone with high-ranking Democrats such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other members of parliament.

Biden is desperately looking for supporters
In the evening, Biden contacted more than 20 Democratic governors - presumably with the aim of securing their support. The Governor of Maryland, Wes Moore, described the conversation afterwards as "sincere". They stand behind Biden, but are concerned about the Democrats' standing in the race for the presidency.

"I will run"
In any case, Biden himself is still combative. According to insiders, in a telephone call with his campaign team he expressed his determination to run for the Democrats in the presidential election. "I will run" ("I am running"), he declared on Wednesday. His spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre also replied to the question of whether the 81-year-old was considering withdrawing after his debacle in the first election debate: "Absolutely not."

Meanwhile, in the White House, Biden's chief of staff Jeff Zients tried to limit the damage. In a conference call with more than 500 government employees, Zients called on everyone to "tune out the noise" surrounding Biden and focus on the work of the government, according to media reports. The past few days have been a challenge. The focus of all employees on government work will be even more important in the hot election campaign phase, he said.

US holiday weekend could bring a decision
The USA is in the midst of a long weekend surrounding the Independence Day celebrations on Thursday. Biden was already scheduled to meet with Democratic governors at the White House on Wednesday evening. According to various media reports, an interview with ABC and campaign appearances in the states of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are also planned in the coming days.

According to a "New York Times" report denied by the government, a Biden ally is said to have stated that he knows the situation will be different if there are two more appearances like last week's before the end of the weekend.