What did Obama say about Biden staying in the race?

Former President Barack Obama recently said, in private, that President Joe Biden’s chances at a successful presidential run in 2024 have declined and that he needs to examine whether it’s the best choice for him to remain in the race, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

Obama is perhaps the most influential Democrat to question whether Biden is the party’s best option in the upcoming elections.

What did Obama say about Biden?

Obama had said earlier, also behind closed doors, that Biden’s poor performance in last month’s presidential debate could pose an obstacle to his reelection and has been in contact with many members of Congress about it, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, according to the Post.

Democratic leaders have been amplifying concerns about Biden’s continued candidacy and the impact it could have down the ballot.

U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff on Wednesday called on Biden to step aside.

A potential boost for former President Donald Trump from the Republican National Convention and a failed attempt on his life on Saturday could also work against Biden.

The Post reported that Obama said he thinks Biden has done a good job as president but worries that the progress he’s made could be undone by a bad showing for Democrats in November’s elections.

He’s been publicly supportive of Biden but also said that he’s concerned over polls and donors moving away from him over the past weeks.

Obama and Biden have reportedly spoken only once since late June.

Obama has, however, emphasized that he does not want to unduly influence Biden’s decision and has not made any public comments in favor of his leaving the race.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Did Obama tell Biden to quit? What the former president said