Axios-Top Dems Believe Biden Will Exit Presidential Race

Axios is reporting that "Several top Democrats privately tell us the rising pressure of party congressional leaders and close friends will persuade President Biden to decide to drop out of the presidential race, as soon as this weekend." The report does not list any additional Democratic lawmakers calling for Biden to step down, with Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) the most recent high-ranking names to directly call for Biden's withdrawal (see 1832BST 17 July and 1435BST 18 July bullets).

• Article claims that "A panic pressure campaign is pounding Biden. It has been relentless — and coordinated". Goes on to list Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) as both actively pressing for Biden's withdrawal without going public.
• Axios: "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 — are saying it's now when, not if, Biden announces he's not running."
• It is important to note that without Biden stepping down voluntarily he will be the Democratic nominee. Party rules around delegates means that by holding a majority Biden ensures no other candidate can be selected. Axios notes, "If Biden wanted to stay in, he'd be impenetrable, thanks to liberal leaders and the Congressional Black Caucus. But his closest friends believe he's fought the good fight and will succumb to reality."