Biden Faces Mounting Pressure Amid Health Concerns and Tight Polls
US President Joe Biden is facing increasing pressure from within his own party to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race due to concerns about his mental and physical fitness. Despite these criticisms, Biden remains determined to campaign and has launched a sharp critique against the 'right-wing Project 2025,' a policy roadmap proposed by Trump's allies.
Project 2025: A Central Campaign Issue
At a recent campaign event in Michigan, Biden denounced Project 2025, labeling it as a significant threat to American values and freedoms. The project, spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation and supported by various conservative groups, aims to overhaul the US government, implement tax code changes, and introduce abortion restrictions. Biden emphasized that this initiative is a blueprint for a second Trump term and warned of the potential 'nightmare' it could bring to the country.
Polls Show a Tight Race
Recent polls indicate a close race between Biden and Trump, with Biden holding a slight edge in some surveys. A nationwide poll by NPR/PBS News/Marist shows Biden at 50% and Trump at 48%, while in Michigan, Trump leads by a narrow margin of 0.2%. However, Biden's approval ratings have seen a decline, with many Democrats expressing a preference for a different candidate due to concerns about Biden's age and health.
Democratic Party Divided
The NBC News poll highlights a significant divide within the Democratic Party. Over 60% of Democrats indicated they would prefer a different candidate for the 2024 election. Despite this, Biden remains resolute, stating, 'I am the candidate of the Democratic Party and the only one who has ever beaten Donald Trump.' The poll also revealed that while Biden's numbers remain low, Trump's numbers have not significantly improved, suggesting a stable yet competitive race.
- The NBC News poll, conducted after Biden's poor debate performance and before a recent attack on Trump in Pennsylvania, shows that the presidential race remains competitive. Biden trails Trump by two points, within the poll's margin of error. The debate has had a noticeable impact, with 79% of all voters expressing concern about Biden's ability to serve a second term.
- In contrast, despite Trump's legal issues and age, he appears to have gained ground on key presidential attributes. Trump now leads Biden by 29 points in terms of mental and physical health needed to be president and by 49%-31% on being competent and effective.
- Biden's support is stronger among black voters, Latinos, and women, while Trump leads among men, white voters, and those without a college degree. The poll also explored a hypothetical race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, where Trump holds a slight lead.
- Biden's approval rating has dropped to 40%, lower than any first-term president seeking re-election except George HW Bush in 1992. This decline in approval is a concerning trend for the Biden campaign as they prepare for the 2024 election.
