SUMMARY
Several top Democrats indicate that increasing pressure from party leaders and allies will likely lead President Biden to drop out of the presidential race as soon as this weekend. Despite being publicly resolute, the 81-year-old president, now self-isolating with COVID, is privately resigned to the mounting pressure, poor polls, and intense scrutiny. Key Democratic figures believe Biden can't win, shift public perceptions of his age and acuity, or secure congressional majorities. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) reportedly told Biden on Saturday that it would be best if he dropped out. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) delivered similar messages, fearing Biden's candidacy could jeopardize Democrats' chances. A close friend of Biden stated, "His choice is to be one of history's heroes, or to be sure of the fact that there'll never be a Biden presidential library."
