Why is Biden so reluctant to step down?

[Newsenmum]

I Still can’t understand why he won’t step down. He should never have run again, he wasn’t popular. Why did he? Surely he must know he’s going to make Trump win?

one word: ego

Because it would dent the fragile male ego and what is the fate of a nation compared to that?

But she was not expected to make important decisions at short notice, e.g. whether to sign a trade treaty or launch a nuclear attack on Pyongyang.

It seems fairly obvious that in large part it's his family - at least they are not trying to persuade him to step down. Every time I read some awful tale of his gaffes I think if that was my husband/father etc I would be mortified to think he was continually being made fun of and ridiculed worldwide and would do my utmost to persuade him to give it up. He was really not fit to do the job when he was elected before, and even less so now. While it's not just an age issue with Biden, it's time they put an age limit on candidates, as even the fittest person's mental abilities and decision making will be affected by age.

Not really anything like that, because she wasn't incapable of doing a really really important job.

It would have made very little actual difference if she didn't have a full grasp of what was going on (and I don't think it was ever suggested that that was the case, it was more physical health issues that she had).

I think Lindordoublechoc nailed it.
His cognitive ability means that he cannot see why he should step down.

Totally different. Monarchs aren't voted in. The queen has always said she would not abdicate, but she had Charles and William to take over parts of her role.

Because the type of man who gets his way into power is the same kind of man who, when lost in the car in the countryside with no signal, will drive around in the same circles for a whole hour, telling you 'it's not a problem, he'll find the venue', and ignore your constant logical comments of "lets just pull over and ask this person/look at the map".

It’s been his life’s work, his ultimate goal! It’s hard to step back from something you want so bad.

Jill

He's a bitter guy. Thinks his Irish, his mum and him comes across horrible people. The typical rich white guy that's wants to come across as victimised.

I don't think he is well enough to continue as President. He's clearly frail and I wonder whether he has the mental capacity to admit to himself that he can't go on like this. Even if he can't recognise this I would hope that his team and his family are encouraging him to step down. It's utterly cruel if they aren't. Surely his wife can see that it's time for him to stop.

I think it's because he doesn't think Kamala Harris has any hope of being voted in.

Wasn't Churchill the same. Biden's probably trying to get out of having to take part in doing the food shop with jill at asda on a saturday

PMSL@ Asda! I'm pretty sure they don't buy their groceries from there!! 😆

Stubborn old fool with a massive ego. He has always looked his proper age, but four years ago seemed vital and healthy. Not any more. Agree with having a retirement age for senior politicians, and 80 seems more than old enough!

Not quite true. Netherlands last three Monarchs abdicated. Spain King Juan Carlos abdicated. Belgium abdication too. And I believe Luxembourg.

The US have elderly senators as well as Presidents, who just won't don't give it up. Chuck Grassley is 91.

Queen Elizabeth made a commitment that she would always be the Monarch, it was her calling and she lived by her promise. No way would she break that commitment to her people. She did an outstanding job, through the best of times and the worst of times, right until her dying breathe.

She showed tact, diplomacy, and was constantly tuned into world issues. She was a credit to Great Britain.

Holding her up as a comparator against someone like Trump or Biden, when they are a shadow of the dignity, intellect and sense of duty that she lived by, is clueless, sorry.

Can anyone imagine even WANTING to do such an important and stressful job in ones 80s or 90s? No thank you!!

A myriad of reasons I'm sure (male egocentricty & possible senility are two. But I also wonder if it is more personal, his son has his second court case coming up and for that there is a good chance he will get a custodial sentence. The president can pardon him - far easier if your father is the president. Given all they have lost as parents I can see why he might keep himself in the running in part for that.

Absolutely this!! I personally think the Democrats are losing the election for themselves - all the people questioning his ability and calling for him to step aside are democrats (90% of them). At this late stage, to change a candidate for president is like virtually giving the election away... but at the same time talking about how old and how in cognitive decline he is, is also giving Trump his victory. I will blame the democrats if Trump wins again.

She was competent

yes exactly this. She doesn't want him to retire and be under her feet at home all day.

Actually I was really shocked FLOTUS came on stage after one of the debates and told Biden what a great job he was doing - he's clearly not doing a lot of anything, it's all down to the 'aides' or whatever the US version of civil servants are ... They're pretty keen to keep Biden in post as it secures their futures for the next 4 years.

God save America !!

Also let's be real who would rather have someone who is yes getting old and slowing down - who has a speech impediment - which is clearly impacting him more as he gets older. Or that crazy loon that is Trump - I know who I'm rooting for!

Genuine question - is there a reason why so many people are blaming the POTUS’ wife for him not stepping down?

I know so many people who are blaming her, and as I’m not too familiar with US politics I don’t know if there’s a reason for this or if it’s just plain old misogyny.