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President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 election is reportedly "only a matter of time," a top campaign official told at least one megadonor privately, according to TMZ.
The official reportedly said that focus has shifted from singular support of the president's re-election to "Democrats have to retain The White House" following Biden's disastrous performance in the first presidential debate against former President Donald Trump. Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly the most likely person to step in as the Democratic nominee due to funds raised by the Biden-Harris campaign.
Biden, 81, the oldest president in history, appeared opposite Trump, 78, on the debate stage for the first time since the 2020 election and did little to quell concerns about his vigor and energy. The president appeared to struggle with his voice, clearing his throat and coughing multiple times, and was often seen open-mouthed and staring when Trump spoke, occasionally struggling to finish sentences.
Biden's performance reportedly led to "panic" among Democrats, according to longtime Democratic operative and CNN senior political commentator David Axelrod.
“He seemed a little disoriented. He did get stronger as the debate went on. But by that time, I think the panic had set in,” Axelrod said, adding that "there are going to be discussions about whether he should continue.”