Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), a leading advocate for President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign, unexpectedly canceled his scheduled appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” this Sunday. The cancellation, announced just 20 minutes after the initial schedule was shared on Twitter, comes amid heightened scrutiny of Biden’s health and ability to remain in the race.

Clyburn was set to address pressing questions about Biden’s fitness for office and the growing calls within the Democratic Party for Biden to step aside. The “Face the Nation” Twitter post indicated that Clyburn would discuss “whether the president should stay the course– and what happens if he doesn’t.” However, his sudden withdrawal from the interview has sparked speculation about the reasons behind it.

Clyburn’s support has been instrumental in Biden’s political career. His endorsement during the 2020 South Carolina primary was a turning point for Biden, helping him secure the Democratic nomination and ultimately the presidency. Recognizing Clyburn’s influence, the Democratic National Committee reshuffled the primary calendar to make South Carolina the first state to vote in the 2024 primary.

The cancellation is particularly notable given the current challenges facing Biden’s campaign. Following a widely criticized debate performance, concerns about Biden’s cognitive health have intensified. During a recent CNN interview, Clyburn attributed Biden’s poor performance to “preparation overload” and his long-standing stutter, attempting to downplay concerns about Biden’s overall health.

Moreover, Clyburn’s appearance on MSNBC saw him reaffirming his loyalty to Biden while also expressing willingness to support Vice President Kamala Harris if Biden withdraws. This dual stance highlights the complex dynamics within the Democratic Party as they prepare for the upcoming election.

The decision to cancel the “Face the Nation” interview leaves many critical questions unanswered and adds to the growing uncertainty surrounding Biden’s re-election bid. The move suggests a strategic recalibration by Biden’s campaign, reflecting the increasing pressure and need for a clear and unified message as they approach the 2024 election.