In a surprising turn of events, former President Barack Obama has reportedly joined the chorus of Democratic allies urging Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2022 presidential race. Citing concerns about Biden's potential defeat to Donald Trump and the potential impact on his legacy, several influential figures within the party have come forward to support these calls, as reported by Axios and the Associated Press on Thursday.

Recent polls have indicated a narrowing gap between Biden and Trump, fueling doubts about the former Vice President's ability to secure victory. These concerns have escalated in the aftermath of a lackluster debate performance on June 27 and Biden's recent COVID-19 diagnosis, which has forced him to forego campaign events.

Despite growing pressure, Biden has publicly remained determined to stay in the race, dismissing speculation about his potential withdrawal. Quentin Fulks, Biden's principal deputy campaign manager, reiterated this commitment, emphasizing that there were no plans to replace Biden on the ballot and that the race was expected to be closely contested.

The denial from Biden's campaign has done little to quell the unease among senior Democrats, with influential figures such as Rep. Adam Schiff and party leaders like Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer reportedly pushing for Biden to step aside. They argue that his continued candidacy could have dire consequences for down-ticket Democratic candidates.

This latest development comes just weeks after Biden and Obama co-hosted a high-profile fundraiser, where they raised millions of dollars together. The apparent change in Obama's stance, urging his former vice-president to bow out, indicates a growing crisis within the party, as evidenced by alarming polls that indicate Biden trailing Trump in key battleground states.

Notable donors, including actor George Clooney, have also publicly and privately expressed their support for Biden's withdrawal, suggesting that a younger candidate may have a better chance against Trump. Clooney, who co-hosted the Los Angeles fundraiser with Biden and Obama, shared concerns about the drying up of donations. Moreover, one major West Coast donor has drafted a hypothetical "victory speech" for Biden, presenting it as a dignified exit strategy that would both preserve his legacy and assist the party in their efforts to defeat Trump.

While Biden's campaign continues to assert his unwavering commitment to the race, the mounting pressure from influential Democrats and major donors raises questions about the future trajectory of his campaign. As speculation swirls, all eyes will be on Biden's next move, which could have far-reaching implications for both the Democratic Party's electoral prospects and his own political legacy.