Top Democrats are putting further pressure on Biden as Covid suspends his campaign.

 President Joe Biden is facing increased pressure to step aside due to concerns about his age, particularly as his campaign activities are currently paused because of a Covid-19 infection.

Reports from US media indicate that the top two Democrats in Congress, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have privately met with Biden to express concerns over his candidacy. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also reportedly told Biden that she believes he cannot defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming November election.

The White House announced Biden’s Covid infection on Wednesday night, stating that the 81-year-old is experiencing mild symptoms. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that Biden is vaccinated and boosted, having tested positive for Covid twice before. Earlier in the day, Biden was seen visiting supporters in Las Vegas and speaking at an event, but he canceled a campaign speech later in the evening.

Jean-Pierre added that Biden plans to isolate at his home in Delaware while continuing to fulfill "all of his duties fully." Dr. Kevin O'Connor, Biden's physician, noted that the president had shown upper respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose and a cough, and had received his first dose of Paxlovid. Despite feeling fine during his first event, Biden tested positive later in the day.

Biden expressed gratitude for the well wishes on X/Twitter and affirmed his commitment to working for the American people while recovering. A follow-up tweet from his account humorously remarked, "I'm sick ... of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election," linking to a donation portal.

During a visit to a Mexican restaurant in Las Vegas earlier on Wednesday, Biden interacted with diners, shaking hands, taking selfies, and making brief remarks. However, reporters noted that he appeared somewhat stiffer and slower than the previous day.

Biden's campaign trip was abruptly halted, and he was seen moving cautiously as he boarded Air Force One, stating, "Good, I feel good." This setback comes amid growing dissent within the Democratic Party after his lackluster debate performance against Trump last month and the ongoing calls for him to withdraw from the race.

Privately, Schumer and Jeffries have reportedly conveyed their concerns that Biden's candidacy might negatively impact other House and Senate races. Pelosi is also said to have warned Biden that his presence on the ticket could harm the Democrats' chances of retaining control of the House.

Approximately two dozen Democratic politicians, including California Congressman Adam Schiff, have called for Biden to step aside. Schiff praised Biden as one of the most consequential presidents in history but suggested that Biden should "pass the torch" to secure his legacy.

In response to these reports, White House spokesman Andrew Bates stated that Biden assured both Schumer and Jeffries that he remains the party's nominee and plans to win, while a spokesman for Jeffries emphasized the private nature of their conversation. Schumer's office dismissed the reports as "idle speculation" but confirmed that Schumer conveyed his caucus's views directly to Biden.

In an interview with BET, Biden mentioned that he might consider stepping down if his doctors advised him to do so due to a medical condition, although he expressed reluctance to pass the mantle with the country so "divided."