President Joe Biden summoned his top advisers to his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home on Saturday afternoon as he deliberated on a decision regarding the 2024 race, according to sources familiar with the situation. Steve Ricchetti, a longtime adviser to the president since his vice president days, had been present since Friday morning, while fellow adviser Mike Donilon rushed over to join the discussions. Throughout the evening, Biden engaged in discussions with the two advisers, reviewing the latest poll numbers and gathering insights on the sentiments of Democratic members. Additionally, Biden maintained contact with his chief of staff Jeff Zients throughout the day.
Subsequently, Biden proceeded with his planned approach before making any significant decision by convening a family meeting on Saturday night. Following his choice to withdraw from the 2024 race, the president took time to reflect on the matter before reaching out to a broader group on Sunday morning. The information was closely guarded, to the extent that Zients had to promptly confirm the authenticity of Biden's online statement with members of his Cabinet on Sunday afternoon.
