US President Joe Biden is reportedly at odds with Barack Obama over the latter's private suggestion that he should withdraw from the upcoming November election.
Despite growing concerns within the Democratic Party, including from influential figures such as Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the 81-year-old Biden has steadfastly refused to step aside.
The President's recent public appearances have been marred by a series of verbal gaffes, including referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as 'Putin' and describing himself as a 'black woman'.
These incidents have fuelled ongoing debates about his age and fitness for office, with polls indicating that voters are increasingly troubled by this issue. This is despite Biden's main rival, Donald Trump, being only three years his junior.
However, the political landscape has shifted dramatically in recent days. Following an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, public sympathy for the Republican candidate has surged, potentially altering the dynamics of the race.
Events in Butler followed an election debate where Mr Biden stumbled and Mr Trump was widely seen to be the winner among CNN viewers.
While Mr Obama has not publicly backed his former running mate to stand aside he is thought to be leaning on the side of favouring a new candidate.
George Clooney has joined other celebrities in calling for his departure while donors such as Abigail Disney pulling out.
It would be a difficult procedure to remove Mr Biden as the Democrat nominee on the ballot and it is unclear who could take over.
But the Telegraph has reported that insiders are lining up a venue to announce his departure from.
Mr Biden is currently in isolation with Covid but is said to have expressed his own private discontent at what he feels is an insider ousting of his position.
A statement issued on Friday stated: “Donald Trump’s dark vision for the future is not who we are as Americans.
“Together, as a party and as a country, we can and will defeat him at the ballot box. The stakes are high, and the choice is clear. Together, we will win.”
