The first TV debate of the 2024 US election between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has triggered a wave of panic among the Democratic Party. Biden's performance, marked by stuttering, hoarseness, and frequent lapses, has led to calls for his resignation and discussions about a potential successor.
During the debate, Biden's weak performance overshadowed Trump's, despite the latter's numerous falsehoods. A CNN poll indicated that 67% of viewers saw Trump as the winner, compared to 33% for Biden. The Washington Post reported that Biden's campaign team acknowledged the president's struggles on stage, further damaging his candidacy.
Prominent Democrats, including progressives and strategists, are openly discussing the possibility of Biden stepping down in favor of a younger candidate. Figures like Andrew Yang and Nicholas Kristof have publicly called for Biden to withdraw from the race. The New York Times noted that just minutes after the debate, Democratic ranks were already sending desperate messages about replacing Biden.
The debate has intensified the debate about Biden's age and cognitive abilities. Some Democrats believe it may be too late for a change, but others argue that a new candidate could still make a difference. Hypothetical successors include California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Chuck Schumer, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Representative James E. Clyburn. Michelle Obama has also been mentioned, though she has consistently denied interest.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who would step in if Biden were incapacitated, is not considered a potential candidate if Biden resigns. The debate has sparked a broader discussion about the future of the Democratic Party and its chances in the 2024 election. The party is grappling with the dilemma of whether to support Biden or push for a new candidate, with the risk of significant losses in the election.
- In the aftermath of the debate, prominent Democrats like California Governor Gavin Newsom have tried to downplay the criticism, urging the party to support Biden despite his poor performance. However, the widespread panic within the party is evident, with many strategists and commentators expressing deep concern about Biden's ability to win the election.
- CNN's Anderson Cooper and Abby Phillip reported a palpable sense of panic among Democrats, with some leaders, strategists, and donors contemplating Biden's withdrawal. David Axelrod, a former advisor to Barack Obama, described the situation as a 'real nightmare,' while other Democratic strategists labeled Biden's debate performance as 'political suicide.'
- The debate has also fueled speculation about Biden's health, with the White House attributing his hoarse voice and trembling lips to a cold. Nonetheless, concerns about his cognitive abilities persist, with some Democrats fearing that his age and health issues could jeopardize the party's chances in the election.
- The Republican Party, meanwhile, has capitalized on Biden's weak performance, with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Trump's campaign managers declaring Trump the clear winner. Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley predicted that Biden would not be the Democratic nominee, urging Republicans to stay vigilant.
- Independent candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. also weighed in, criticizing both Biden and Trump for increasing the national debt. The debate has thus set the stage for a contentious and uncertain election campaign, with the Democratic Party facing a critical decision about its leadership.
