The first TV debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump for the 2024 US election has sparked widespread panic among Democrats. Biden's performance was marred by frequent stumbles, a hoarse voice, and incoherent responses, leading many within his party to question his viability as a candidate. Despite his efforts to defend his administration and counter Trump's attacks, Biden's weak showing has intensified calls for his resignation and the nomination of a successor.
A CNN poll revealed that 67% of viewers believed Trump won the debate, while only 33% supported Biden. The Washington Post reported that Biden's campaign team acknowledged the president's struggles during the debate, which have cast a shadow over his candidacy. Democratic leaders and strategists are now openly discussing the possibility of replacing Biden with a younger candidate, fearing that his continued presence in the race could jeopardize their chances in the 2024 election.
Progressive Democratic representatives and prominent figures like Andrew Yang and Nicholas Kristof have publicly called for Biden to step down. They argue that a new candidate is necessary to energize the party and improve their prospects against Trump. Potential successors being discussed include Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. However, the process of nominating a new candidate is fraught with challenges and risks, especially with the Democratic National Convention and the election fast approaching.
The debate also highlighted key policy differences between Biden and Trump, particularly on issues like the economy, immigration, and foreign policy. Trump criticized Biden's handling of the Ukrainian crisis and accused him of weakening the US on the global stage. In contrast, Biden emphasized his efforts to build international coalitions and support Ukraine. Despite these policy discussions, much of the focus remained on Biden's age and cognitive abilities, with many Democrats fearing that his performance confirmed the negative caricature painted by Trump and his allies.
As the debate unfolded, Democratic leaders scrambled to manage the fallout. Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom attempted to downplay the significance of Biden's poor performance, urging the party to rally behind the president. However, the widespread panic and calls for change suggest that Biden's path to re-election is becoming increasingly uncertain. The coming weeks and months will be crucial for the Democratic Party as they navigate this internal crisis and prepare for the next stages of the election campaign.
- Biden's frail appearance and frequent stumbles during the debate have led to a surge of concern among Democratic lawmakers and strategists. Many are now reviewing party rules and procedures, contemplating the possibility of an open convention to nominate a new candidate.
- The debate also saw Trump leveraging Biden's weaknesses to his advantage. Trump repeatedly attacked Biden's record on the economy, immigration, and foreign policy, presenting himself as a more robust and decisive leader. Despite his own controversial statements and factually incorrect claims, Trump's performance was seen as more disciplined and effective in communicating his message.
- The Democratic Party faces a significant challenge in managing the fallout from the debate. While some leaders, like Gavin Newsom, have called for unity and support for Biden, the growing calls for his resignation indicate deep divisions within the party. The prospect of a bitter internal battle over the nomination could further weaken the party's chances in the 2024 election.
- The debate's early timing, four months before the election, provides some time for the Democrats to recover. However, the urgency of the situation means that any potential changes must be made swiftly. The party's upcoming convention in August will be a critical moment for determining their strategy and candidate for the November election.
