WASHINGTON, July 18 — US Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told President Joe Biden in a meeting on Saturday it would be better for the country and the Democratic Party if he ended his reelection campaign, ABC News reported today.

US House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has expressed similar views directly to Biden, ABC News reported, citing a source familiar with the conversation.

In a statement, Schumer’s office called the report "idle speculation” and said Schumer "conveyed the views of his caucus directly to President Biden on Saturday.”

Jeffries’ office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Earlier yesterday, Democratic US Representative Adam Schiff became the 20th congressional Democrat to publicly call for Biden to drop out of the race.

Democrats have been worried about the 81-year-old incumbent’s ability to beat Republican challenger Trump and serve another four years in office after Biden’s halting June 27 debate performance. — Reuters