Mark Halperin claims Biden to announce exit from 2024 race ‘this weekend’, Internet says 'we need him'

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN: Journalist and Newsmax commentator Mark Halperin reported on Thursday, July 18, that according to multiple sources, President Joe Biden is considering withdrawing from the presidential race, potentially as soon as this weekend, with Sunday, July 21, being the most likely date.

In addition to Halperin, Axios reporters Mike Allen and Jim VandeHei have also indicated that key aides to Biden are forecasting his decision not to run, influenced by increasing pressure from Democrats and close associates.

Mark Halperin claims Joe Biden will step down soon

"According to multiple Democratic sources, this is happening all of a sudden," Halperin spoke to 'Carl Higbie FRONTLINE' at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Newsweek reported.

He added, "Everyone said it would happen gradually and then all at once. And that's what's happening. According to my sources, President Biden has agreed to step down as the Democratic nominee. It will happen as early as this weekend."

"A speech has been drafted for him. He will continue on as president. He also will not, I'm told, endorse Vice President [Kamala] Harris as his successor. They're hoping that he will endorse an open process in which the convention will be open to Vice President Harris and a few other candidates in Chicago to pick the Democratic nominee for president," he went on to say.

Halperin initially reported the news on Thursday in a post on his X account.

The post read, "BREAKING NEWS: Multiples sources outline the apparent state of play on Biden at this time: * plans to announce withdrawal from nomination as early as this weekend, with Sunday most likely * Jon Meacham polishing up remarks * Biden with NOT resign the presidency * Biden will NOT endorse Harris * open convention with Harris and about 3 others * super delegates will not be allowed to vote on 1st ballot * Harris is vetting at least four possible running mates, including Andy Beshear and possibly Shapiro More on this fluid situation at 6pm ET LIVE on YouTube @2waytvapp"

Axios News hosts claim that Joe Biden will exit race

"We increasingly hear top Biden aides, including ones who initially urged him to fight on after his disastrous debate on June 27 — 21 days ago — saying it's now when, not if, Biden announces he's not running," wrote Mike Allen and Jim VandeHei of Axios.

According to the two, there is increasing pressure from elected Democrats and personal friends, which is making some members of Biden's team believe that he will eventually have to step down.

Aside from the news hosts, a large number of Democrats and Hollywood celebrities have pushed Biden to exit from the 2024 race for "the good of the country."

Joe Biden outlines scenarios in which he would consider exiting presidential race

Biden denied that fictitious Democrats were pressuring him to withdraw from the race in an interview with ABC News, saying that he would withdraw if the "lord almighty" stepped in and commanded him to "get out of the race."

However, Joe Biden recently stated that he would step down from the race if he were to be diagnosed with "a medical condition."

And later, according to the White House, on July 17, Biden tested positive for Covid-19 while traveling to Las Vegas, and he is currently exhibiting mild symptoms like "general malaise."

Joe Biden's spokesman debunks claims

A representative for President Joe Biden's reelection campaign refuted a report indicating that his team thinks "it's now when, not if" the president announces his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential contest.

TJ Ducklo, a spokesman for the Biden campaign, firmly stated that this was not the case.

“Joe Biden is his party’s nominee. He’s the President of the United States. He’s running for reelection. Baseless conjecture from anonymous sources isn’t a scoop,” wrote Ducklo. “Tonight a convicted felon will talk about how he’ll make people’s lives worse if he gains power. Let’s focus.”

Internet believes Joe Biden 'shouldn't step down'

After the news surfaced on the internet, users started reacting to it.

A user said, "Biden must not step down. I don’t care about these ridiculous house races. His status as commander in chief retains primacy."

Another user questioned, "Has anything like this ever happened in our history?"

A third commentator wrote, "Joe shouldn’t step down we need him now more than ever"

"I won't believe it until I see him announce it," a person said.

An X user added, "Don't believe anything until it comes from the Biden camp."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.