Democratic insiders reveal 'soft coup' against Joe Biden as pressure mounts on him to quit

President Joe Biden was set up in a 'soft coup' to oust him, a top Democratic insider claimed.

The 81-year-old President's performance in Thursday's debate has led to widespread criticism and calls for his withdrawal from the presidential race.

A former aide to Hillary Clinton told The Mail on Sunday: "There has never been a debate this early before.

Traditionally, debates are held after the Republican and Democratic conventions, which are in July and August.

“Most years, the first debate is early September ahead of the November election.

“Biden's inner circle demanded this early debate. There is a growing belief this was a 'soft coup' because they know he isn't fit to govern and have known for some time.

“They wanted to test him against Trump early, while there was still time to replace him if he failed to rise to the occasion.

“Which, of course, he did spectacularly."

Publicly, Democratic leaders have been backing Biden, but privately, there have been ongoing discussions about his fitness to beat Donald Trump in the upcoming election.

An anonymous source commented: "The whole thing doesn't pass the smell test. There were whispers for weeks that 'Joe's going down at the debate'."

Among the potential replacements, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been named as a frontrunner.

Reports indicate she sent an advance team to Washington, D.C., weeks ago to prepare for a possible presidential run.

The source added: "Gretchen was the first to act. Now the floodgates have been opened."

Following the debate, there have been calls for former President Barack Obama to intervene.

A major donor reportedly appealed directly to Obama to persuade Biden to withdraw.

"Obama is probably the only person aside from his wife and sister who Biden will listen to," the source said.

Jill Biden acknowledged her husband's poor performance, telling reporters on Friday: "After last night's debate, he said, 'You know Jill, I don't know what happened. I didn't feel that great.'"

The New York Times, which Biden claims to "read first every morning," published a critical editorial calling him "reckless" and urging him to step aside.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is also reportedly open to replacing Biden, according to multiple sources.

Campaign chairwoman Jen O'Malley Dillon held a meeting with staff and donors to try to calm concerns.

"She said this was one bad night," a source noted. "The mood wasn't good. There is no fixing this."

Biden's campaign is also facing financial challenges as major donors freeze funds and celebrity supporters express doubts.

Hollywood figures like George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Steven Spielberg, who have raised millions for Biden, are reportedly reconsidering their support.

A Hollywood donor said: "Whether Biden stays or goes will come down to one thing: cold, hard cash. Fundraisers are being canceled because there is no confidence in Biden."

Despite this, Elton John appeared to back Biden on Friday at the unveiling of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York, praising the President for supporting the museum.

Recent polls indicate significant public discontent with Biden.

A Morning Consult poll showed that 60 percent believe he should "definitely" or "probably" be replaced, while an Ipsos poll revealed that 73 percent of those who watched the debate rated his performance as "poor or terrible."

As Democratic leaders and potential replacements hold private meetings, the next week is seen as critical for Biden's political future.

"If Joe goes, that will be decided in the next week. He has a week to prove himself," a campaign insider said.

"If he can be persuaded to step aside, that announcement will come in two-and-a-half to three weeks' time."