'No one is pushing me out'

Joe Biden tells campaign staff he's in race 'to the end' but ally admits next few days in the spotlight will decide leader's fate

- ALEX WOODWARD

Joe Biden has insisted to his campaign staff that no one is pushing him out after multiple reports suggested he is preparing to abandon his re-election battle if he fails crucial tests in the days ahead.

“Let me say this as clearly as I possibly can, as simply and straightforward as I can: I am running,” the US president reportedly told campaign staff on a call yesterday. “No one’s pushing me out,” he said. “I’m not leaving. I’m in this race to the end and we’re going to win.”

The president reportedly admitted that he will have to end his re-election campaign if he cannot convince voters that he is up for the job after his flailing performance at last week’s debate against Donald Trump.

A key ally to the president told The New York Times that while Mr Biden remains committed to the race, his next few crucial public appearances could shape his plans for 2024. Mr Biden is scheduled for an interview with ABC News host George Stephanopoulos tomorrow followed by campaign stops in critical swing states Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. “He knows if he has two more events like that, we’re in a different place” by the end of the weekend, according to the ally, speaking anonymously to The New York Times.