Biden Faces Growing Pressure Amidst Declining Poll Numbers
President Joe Biden is under increasing pressure from within his own party as recent polls indicate a significant drop in his popularity. A CNN survey revealed that three-quarters of US voters believe the Democratic Party would have a better chance of winning the upcoming elections if Biden is replaced. The poll shows former President Donald Trump leading with 49% support compared to Biden's 43%. This sentiment is echoed by some senior Democratic members who are openly calling for Biden to step aside.
Texas Representative Lloyd Doggett was the first to publicly suggest that Biden should follow in the footsteps of Lyndon Johnson and retire: "Lyndon Johnson, under very different circumstances, made a painful decision to retire. President Biden should do the same," Doggett stated. Other Democratic figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom, also trail behind Trump in the polls.
Mixed Reactions to Biden's Debate Performance
Despite a poor showing in a recent televised debate against Trump, Biden's campaign remains optimistic. Pollster Geoff Garin from Hart Research released internal poll results indicating that Biden's overall popularity has remained unchanged since May. According to Garin, the debate did not significantly alter the dynamics of the race, as many voters had already factored in concerns about Biden's age and mental fitness.
Garin's memo highlighted that while some of Biden's 2020 supporters now view him more negatively, a large majority continue to back him. The Biden campaign also noted that many voters still trust Biden more than Trump on issues of protecting democracy and what's best for the country. However, independent polls, such as one conducted by CBS-YouGov, show that 72% of voters believe Biden lacks the mental and cognitive health to serve as president, up from 65% in June.
- The growing anxiety within the Democratic Party is palpable, with many donors and elected leaders waiting for further polls before deciding whether to publicly push for Biden to withdraw from the race. The Biden campaign had hoped the debate would showcase the president's capabilities, but his performance, which included instances of rambling and losing his train of thought, has only fueled concerns.
- Despite these challenges, Biden's campaign is attempting to reassure supporters by emphasizing his accomplishments and the perceived risks of a second Trump presidency. The campaign has also been using footage of Biden's more energetic moments, such as a recent appearance in North Carolina, in their advertising efforts.
