Biden’s chances of dropping out of the election rise on US betting sites

The chances of President Biden dropping out of his 2024 re-election campaign have risen to more than 80% — with the once-defiant Democratic nominee reportedly “seeking self-esteem” about dropping out of the race.

The probability of the 81-year-old president dropping out was 84% ​​and rising early Friday, according to predictive betting site Polymarket.

Those odds soared after the disastrous June 27 debate against former President Donald Trump, when the odds hit a low of 19%.

Since then, Biden has faced increasing pressure — both publicly and behind closed doors — from heavyweights within his own party to cede his position at the top of the ticket.

The defiant commander-in-chief has so far been adamant that he will remain in the race for the White House. “I’m in,” he vowed as recently as Wednesday, the day he was confirmed to have Covid.

Privately, however, there is widespread speculation that he is now taking calls for his removal seriously, and several Democratic officials believe his departure is only a matter of time, multiple sources told Reuters.

“His soul searching is really happening, I know that for sure,” a source said. “He’s thinking about it very seriously.”

Another source, a Democratic congressional aide, said victory appeared assured for Biden after top Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, reportedly pressured him this week to drop out of the race.

“It seems like it’s a question of… when, not if,” the aide said.

“Yes, it’s over. It’s just a matter of time,” added another source, a Biden campaign official.

A Biden campaign spokesman, however, dismissed suggestions he was ready to resign.

“He’s not wavering on anything. The president has made his decision,” said deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks. “Joe Biden has said he’s running for president of the United States. Our campaign is moving forward.”

With information from the New York Post