Biden 'absolutely' staying in US presidential race despite dipping support, asserts campaign chair

United States President Joe Biden's campaign chair has now acknowledged that support for the Democratic leader has further dipped over the past few weeks, giving rival Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump even a wider lead. However, Jen O'Malley Dillion, Biden's campaign chair, has insisted that the president is "absolutely" staying in the race and remains capable of defeating the GOP leader.

"We have a lot of work to do to reassure the American people that yes he's old, but he can win," she was quoted as saying by news agency AP.

She also claimed that voters who are concerned over Biden's age are not necessarily switching to Trump. "They have questions, but they are staying with Joe Biden," she asserted.

DNC's rulemaking arm to meet on Friday

The rulemaking arm of the Democratic National Committee will meet on Friday (Jul 19) to decide on the official nominee before the August 7 deadline. The party's convention is also set to be held later this month in Chicago.

Watch:US Presidential Elections: Biden 'soul-searching' about dropping out of race?

Meanwhile, theembattled incumbent president has received much-needed support from Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, who said the president doesn't deserve harsh press statements during this crucial time.

"President Biden deserves the respect to have important family conversations with members of the caucus and colleagues in the House and Senate and Democratic leadership and not be battling leaks and press statements," said Coons.

Democrats considering exploring options

But a majority of the Democrats, who are hoping that Biden will step aside himself, don't agree with Senator Coons and have reportedly asked the US president to make way for a new nominee ahead of the party convention.

A new AP-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research has found that 60 per cent of the Democrats now prefer Vice President Kamala Harris over Biden to take on Trump.

Even top Democrats now look askance upon the prospects of a Biden 2.0, with former President Barack Obama expressing doubts to close allies.

Obama reportedly told Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi privately that Biden will end up relinquishing control of the House if doesn't step away from the race.

On Friday (Jul 19), five more Democrats called on the incumbent president to drop out of the race.

Representative Jared Huffman of California, Marc Veasey (Texas), Chuy Garcia (Illinois), and Marc Pocan (Wisconsin), urged Biden to "pass the torch to a new generation of Democratic leaders."

"Mr. President, with great admiration for you personally, sincere respect for your decades of public service and patriotic leadership, and deep appreciation for everything we have accomplished together during your presidency, it is now time for you to pass the torch to a new generation of Democratic leaders," the lawmakers wrote.

(With inputs from agencies)