On Wednesday, President Biden lightheartedly quipped about his potential departure from the White House, saying he’s “Looking for a job.” New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd labeled the efforts to remove President Biden as a “coup” orchestrated behind the scenes by influential Democrats in her Sunday column.
Dowd described the situation as a “jaw-dropping putsch,” despite acknowledging that Biden’s ability to campaign effectively for another term was questionable. Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race came at the end of July, following intense pressure from prominent Democrats who had reportedly urged him to step aside privately.
Biden’s withdrawal from the race follows private pressure from top Democrats, says NYT’s Maureen Dowd
Key figures such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer have repeatedly denied involvement in any scheme to force Biden out of the race. Dowd suggested that as Biden’s poll numbers plummeted, Democratic leaders chose to prioritize the party’s and the country’s welfare over Biden’s personal ambitions. She criticized Biden’s perceived belief that he was the only candidate capable of defeating Donald Trump.
The columnist also pointed out that Pelosi and other leaders seemed uncomfortable with their role in Biden’s exit. Dowd remarked on Pelosi’s contradictory behavior, praising Biden publicly while struggling with the political maneuvering involved.
Dowd further noted that Vice President Harris might be unsettled by the delays in endorsements from key Democrats, including Obama, Pelosi, and Schumer. Despite the fractured relationships, Biden quickly endorsed Harris as his successor, though others took longer to show their support.
In response to the situation, former Biden chief of staff Ron Klain expressed his disapproval of the process on CNN, arguing that Biden had earned his nomination through democratic means and was prepared to continue his campaign.
