Biden Hardens Resolve, Stakes Political Future On "Average Voter"

US President Joe Biden, speaking on MSNBC's Morning Joe, has stated that he still believes he has the support of the "average voter" despite widespread concerns about the viability of his candidacy.

• Biden again declares: "I am not going anywhere," says he is confident the average voter still wants him on the Democratic ticket. Biden adds: "Losing is not an option and I haven't lost to Trump."
• Biden notes that he has been traveling, “to make sure my instinct was right [that] the party still wanted me to be the nominee." Says: "I’m confident they do.”
• Biden addds: "I don't care what millionaires think... I'm not going to explain anymore about what I should or shouldn't do: I am running."
• Biden's interview comes as part of a full-court-press by the White House to get ahead of any potential Democrat dissent as lawmakers return to Washington following the July 4 recess.
• The New York Times Dealbook reports that some of most prominent Democrat backers on Wall Street, "spent the holiday weekend debating what to do next," with one C.E.O. suggesting there was an “inevitability” to Biden stepping aside, "describing it as a matter of timing and positioning."
• Dealbook adds: "Several executives described themselves as 'concerned.' ... The deal makers are gaming out various scenarios. Some donors have discussed “elegant” ways for Biden to step aside to preserve his reputation."
• Traders appear sceptical of Biden's pledge to remain in the race. Polymarket'sfluctuating market shows that Biden has a roughly 55% implied probability of dropping out.