The sources told the Times that Biden is a proud man, but stepping aside is not out of the question, though they estimated the odds of him trying to stay in the race were still 4 or 5 to 1.
However, according to a source familiar with the conversations, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, they believe he is still capable of serving another four years and will maintain a united front.
Another anonymous source told the Times that Biden's son Hunter Biden, recently convicted of three felony charges, was among the strongest voices encouraging his father to stay in the race.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.
The newspaper reported that family members, excluding First Lady Jill Biden, were frustrated with Biden's staff, including Anita Dunn, a senior White House advisor, and Bob Bauer, the president's personal attorney, who role-played Trump during debate rehearsals.
One person familiar with the conversations also mentioned concerns about Ron Klain, the former White House chief of staff, who oversaw debate preparations, according to the Times.
The newspaper, citing an unnamed source, said family members complained the president was overloaded with statistics and was made up to look pale during the debate.
Klain, however, told the Times that Biden would stay in the race.
"He is the choice of the Democratic voters," Klain told the outlet. "We are seeing record levels of support from grass-roots donors. We had a bad debate night. But you win campaigns by fighting — not quitting — in the face of adversity."
In a recent CBS News-YouGov survey , based on a national sample of 1,130 registered voters, 76% of voters said Biden should not be running for president, with 46% of registered Democratic agreeing he shouldn't.
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