Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID, prompting him to pause campaigning even as he faces mounting pressure from his party to end his re-election bid.
The COVID news has put Biden's health under closer scrutiny when his age and fitness for office are already under a microscope.
Biden abruptly canceled an event in Las Vegas on Wednesday with UnidosUS, a Hispanic rights group.
“I was just on the phone with President Biden, and he shared his deep disappointment at not being able to join us this afternoon," UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía told the crowd.
The White House said Biden is having "mild" symptoms and he would continue to perform the "full duties of the office while in isolation.”
Ironically, the announcement came just hours after Biden said he would consider forgoing re-election if he were diagnosed with a medical condition.
The pressure for Biden to step down exploded after his disastrous debate against Donald Trump on June 27.
Democrats fear that if Biden does not quit, he will hand over the presidency to Trump and cost Democrats power in Congress.
After a brief respite following Trump's attempted assassination, Democrats returned to pressuring Biden in earnest this week.
Longtime allies of Biden, including Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Ca.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-Ny.), have nudged Biden to reconsider his shaky re-election bid, and Barack Obama has lost all confidence in his viability as a candidate.
NBC reported Friday that members of Biden's family - after weeks of defiance - have begun discussing the possible end of his re-election bid, but Biden and his inner circle are feeling betrayed by Democrats whom Biden has long considered close allies.
"There was a much more dignified way to do this if this is what they wanted,” one Biden insider told NBC. “This is no way to treat a public servant who has done a lot for this country.”
Despite the rampant speculation, Biden remains publicly committed to seeking a second term, saying he will hit the campaign trail again next week.
Time is of the essence. The party's convention is next month, and Democrats are forging ahead with plans to nominate Biden through a virtual roll call in early August.
