Biden's Performance in TV Debate Sparks Panic Among Democrats
The first TV debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 US election has left the Democratic Party in turmoil. Biden, 81, stumbled through the debate, speaking unclearly and with a hoarse voice, which led many to question his suitability as a presidential candidate. According to a CNN snap poll, 67% of respondents saw Trump as the clear winner, while only 33% believed Biden came out on top. This weak performance has prompted numerous Democratic politicians and strategists to call for Biden's resignation and the nomination of a younger, more vigorous candidate.
Calls for Biden's Resignation Intensify
The aftermath of the debate saw a flurry of desperate messages within the Democratic ranks, with some openly discussing whether it was too late to persuade Biden to step down. Progressive members of the party are particularly vocal in their calls for Biden to withdraw from the presidential race. The New York Times reported that Biden's campaign team admitted internally that his performance had damaged his candidacy. Prominent figures like Andrew Yang and Nicholas Kristof have publicly suggested that Biden should consider stepping aside. The debate has also led to speculation about potential successors, with names like California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi being floated.
The debate has not only highlighted concerns about Biden's age and cognitive abilities but has also triggered a wave of panic among Democrats. Political commentators like John King and Abby Phillip from CNN have noted the growing panic within the party, with some strategists describing Biden's performance as 'political suicide'. The White House attributed Biden's hoarse voice and hesitations to a cold, but this explanation has done little to quell the growing unease. The debate has left Democrats scrambling to find a viable path forward, with some fearing significant losses in the 2024 election if Biden remains the candidate.
- Shortly before Vice President Kamala Harris reacted to Joe Biden's performance in the debate with a white lie ('There was a weak beginning but a strong ending. Biden is extraordinarily strong'), the governor of California, Democrat Gavin Newsom, had already described the debate among the Democrats due to Biden's poor performance as 'useless' and 'unnecessary'. Newsom has frequently been mentioned as a possible generational replacement in the Democratic leadership, but his attempts to tone down the criticism have had little success.
- Political commentators and campaign strategists have unanimously sounded the alarms, with some suggesting that the Democratic Party is in 'total panic mode'. A Biden collaborator, speaking anonymously to The Hill, described the situation as a 'real nightmare' and expressed disbelief at the unfolding events. As the debate progressed, Democrats grew increasingly restless, with some wondering if it was too late for Biden to drop out. The debate has also led to speculation about other potential candidates, with California Governor Gavin Newsom being a prominent name mentioned.
- The debate has not only highlighted concerns about Biden's age and cognitive abilities but has also triggered a wave of panic among Democrats. Political commentators like John King and Abby Phillip from CNN have noted the growing panic within the party, with some strategists describing Biden's performance as 'political suicide'. The White House attributed Biden's hoarse voice and hesitations to a cold, but this explanation has done little to quell the growing unease. The debate has left Democrats scrambling to find a viable path forward, with some fearing significant losses in the 2024 election if Biden remains the candidate.
