WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is expected to make a pivotal decision regarding his candidacy for reelection within days, according to Hawaii Governor Josh Green, who recently participated in a meeting with Biden and other Democratic governors.

Governor Green, whose family has a longstanding relationship with the president, shared insights with The Associated Press on Saturday.

Green indicated that Biden may step down from the race if he deems it unwinnable or if he feels he should listen to advice against running from close advisors. "We'll probably know in the next couple of days how the president feels about all this," Green remarked.

Despite ongoing speculation about Biden's mental sharpness following a challenging debate performance, Green emphasized his support, likening occasional lapses in expression to those experienced by many seniors. "That's why I'm standing by the president until he tells me otherwise," Green affirmed.

The governor highlighted the upcoming congressional return to Capitol Hill as a potential influencer in Biden's decision-making timeline. He stressed that any decision should come from Biden's closest advisors and reflect his personal conviction.

Regarding age and temperament, Green pointed out that both Biden and his likely opponent, former President Donald Trump, are close in age and will inevitably have off days. He underscored the importance of temperament in leadership, particularly in handling sensitive matters like nuclear codes.

If Biden were to withdraw from the race, Green suggested that the president should have the liberty to designate his successor on the ticket. He expressed confidence in Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential successor, citing her credentials and leadership qualities.

Reflecting on last week's meeting with Biden, Green clarified that Biden's remarks about his health were intended as a self-deprecating joke, dismissing any concerns about cognitive ability raised by leaked reports. He described the meeting as candid and unscripted, featuring diverse opinions from the attending governors. — Agencies