President Joe Biden (File) U.S. President Joe Biden is contemplating whether to continue his presidential campaign, a decision Senator John Hicken
U.S. President Joe Biden is contemplating whether to continue his presidential campaign, a decision Senator John Hickenlooper described as one that should prioritize the country’s best interests.
Hickenlooper expressed a sense of sadness to Reuters among Democrats regarding Biden’s situation but stopped short of suggesting he should step down.
Hickenlooper, who competed against Biden for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, refrained from joining the increasing number of lawmakers calling for Biden to withdraw from the race. However, he acknowledged that there is growing sentiment that it might benefit the country if Biden decided to step aside.
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“Joe Biden has always prioritized the nation. He’s consistently acted in America’s best interests, and I believe he will continue to do so,” Hickenlooper said during a phone interview with Reuters on Wednesday evening. “He is working towards making the right decision.”
When asked about Biden potentially stepping down, Hickenlooper told the outlet, “That’s his decision to make, but there are certainly more and more indications that it would be in the country’s best interests.”
At 81, Biden faces pressure from influential party members to leave the Democratic ticket following a shaky debate performance against former President Donald Trump, the current Republican nominee. This has raised concerns about Biden’s age and his ability to secure victory in the upcoming November election.
Hickenlooper noted a sense of distress among Democrats who hold Biden, with his 36-year Senate tenure, in high regard, even as they believe he should not seek re-election.
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“I don’t think many realize how cherished Joe Biden is and the sorrow people feel at the thought he might not be the candidate. Even those who believe he shouldn’t run feel a great sense of loss,” Hickenlooper remarked. “He has been one of the greatest presidents, possibly the greatest of my lifetime.”
Despite this, Hickenlooper highlighted feedback from his Colorado constituents—average Democratic voters rather than donors or insiders—showing a strong desire for Biden to step aside.
“When there’s significant unease and dissatisfaction, uniting the party becomes difficult,” he explained. “He is still beloved, but the political landscape has changed since four years ago.”
Biden, recovering from COVID-19 at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, met privately with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Saturday. Schumer reportedly urged Biden to exit the race. Despite such calls, the White House stated late Wednesday that Biden reaffirmed his determination to remain the party’s nominee and win the election.
Hickenlooper suggested that if Biden had hesitated about continuing his campaign, it would have led to increased calls for him to step aside. “That doesn’t mean he couldn’t ultimately decide to stay in,” said Hickenlooper, a former brewpub owner turned politician, adding that Biden would make his decision promptly. “Everyone has their own rate of fermentation.”
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