As Mr. Biden faces growing calls from prominent Democrats to withdraw from the race, a member of his inner circle has flatly denied reports that the president is now more open to ending his campaign and said he was ready to return to the campaign trail next week. "Anyone who has spoken to Mr. Biden in the last 24 hours can tell you that's not true," a senior White House official was quoted as saying. The official said there had been no change in Mr. Biden's candidacy or campaign except for yesterday's confirmed COVID-19 infection, which has kept him at home. The senior official expressed anger and frustration at criticism of Mr. Biden by fellow Democrats. He acknowledged that calls for his withdrawal had taken a toll and could lead to a further slide in the polls.