Former Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reportedly played a crucial role in convincing President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. According to sources cited by The New York Times, Schumer expressed serious concerns to Biden about the potential consequences of a loss to Trump, suggesting it could erase decades of progress and tarnish his legacy.

In a private conversation at Biden's Delaware residence, Schumer reportedly warned the president that a defeat could label him as one of history's darkest figures. He explicitly advised Biden against running. This conversation followed a poorly received debate performance by Biden against then-President Trump, which triggered discussions among top Democrats about the campaign's future.

While publicly Schumer urged donors and allies to remain silent about their concerns regarding Biden's age and campaign viability, privately he encouraged them to express their anxieties to the White House and campaign staff. Concurrently, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries was reportedly advocating for Vice President Kamala Harris to replace Biden as the Democratic nominee, emphasizing the powerful narrative of change that Harris represented.

Despite these internal pressures, some of Biden's advisors, including Steve Ricchetti, remained confident in his ability to continue the campaign. However, subsequent reports from various media outlets, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, revealed ongoing concerns among Biden's inner circle about his health and stamina.

These reports suggest that doubts about Biden's fitness for office were prevalent long before his withdrawal from the race. A December 2024 New York Times article even questioned whether Biden realistically believed he could handle the demands of the presidency for another four years, noting observations of his declining physical and mental acuity.