Schumer keeps doubts about Biden private, won't undermine POTUS publicly, Democrats say: report

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. has told members of his conference in private that he has serious doubts about President Biden's ability to win re-election, according to a report.

Schumer reportedly agrees with what many Democrats have said publicly — that the 81-year-old Biden appears too old and slow to carry the party to victory against former President Trump — but he does not believe the president's re-election campaign is "irretrievable," The Hill reported, citing three unnamed Senate sources.

"Schumer has told colleagues he doesn’t want to say anything publicly to question Biden’s viability as a candidate or to pressure him to abandon his campaign because he fears that would undermine the president and could hurt Democrats down ballot in the fall election," the report said.

A spokesman for Schumer did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

SCHUMER REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR BIDEN IN WAKE OF REPORT HE'S OPEN TO PRESIDENT'S OUSTER AS 2024 NOMINEE

The majority leader has stood by Biden in public comments since the president's widely panned debate performance last month. But at least 17 Democratic lawmakers, numerous editorial writers and several pundits have urged Biden to abandon his 2024 campaign amid growing concern over the president's mental acuity and ability to handle the responsibilities of campaigning and the presidency.

On Wednesday, Axios reported that Schumer signaled to Democratic donors that he is open to replacing Biden atop the 2024 ticket. The report said Schumer has been listening to donors' ideas and suggestions that the best way for the party to move forward and debate former President Trump is removing Biden.

In a statement on Wednesday to Fox News after the Axios report, Schumer