NYT-Biden Told Ally He Is Weighing Whether To Continue In Race

Katie Rogers reportsin the NYT that US President Joe Biden has discussed with a 'key ally' whether to continue his campaign for a second term in office following his disastrous performance in last week's debate against Republican frontrunner Donald Trump. The report claims Biden, "...told a key ally that he knows he may not be able to salvage his candidacy if he cannot convince the public in the coming days that he is up for the job [...]. The president, who the ally emphasized is still deeply in the fight for re-election, understands that his next few appearances heading into the holiday weekend [...] must go well."

• NYT reports the individual saying that “He knows if he has two more events like that, we’re in a different place”
• NYT: "A top adviser to Mr. Biden, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the situation, said the president was “well aware of the political challenge he faces"."
• This report, claiming details of the conversation, is the first in which it appears the president is considering his position. Given Democratic party rules, the choice of whether Biden runs again will have to come from the president himself, with few other measures avaliable to choose a new candidate at the convention.
• Comes as California Governor Gavin Newsom, who some see as a potential replacement for Biden on the presidential ticket, is reported to be visiting West Michigan to campaign for the president on 4 July.
• For more info on the situation regarding the presidential race please see our US Daily Brief.