Joe Biden has been facing increasing pressure from various fronts following his disastrous performance in the CNN debate against Donald Trump in Atlanta. At 81 years old, Biden's ability to lead the United States for another term has been questioned by many, including members of his own party. Despite Biden's efforts to dispel doubts, the memory of the debate lingers, and the discussion about his continuity remains unresolved.
Democrats are treading carefully in their approach to ask Biden to step aside. While many praise his past contributions, they agree that he may not be the best candidate to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election. If Biden does not voluntarily withdraw, it could be challenging to force him, given his strong support within the party. Notable figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have subtly hinted at the need for a decision, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
As of this week, ten members of the House of Representatives have openly called for Biden to withdraw from the race. Among them is Michigan Congresswoman Hillary Scholten, who praised Biden's service but urged him to step aside for the sake of democracy. Similarly, Vermont Senator Peter Welch has voiced concerns about Biden's performance and questioned his viability as a candidate.
Prominent Democratic donors and fundraisers have also begun withdrawing their support for Biden. This group includes Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, hotel magnate Stewart Bainum Jr., and Disney heiress Abigail Disney. Their withdrawal highlights the financial pressures Biden faces, despite his campaign's full coffers.
Polling data further complicates Biden's position. A recent Ipsos survey revealed that 56% of Democrats believe Biden should withdraw from the race, with 85% considering him too old for a second term. In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris appears to be a more favorable candidate, with polls showing her slightly ahead of Trump in a hypothetical matchup.
Senator Michael Bennet recently became the first Democratic senator to publicly express doubts about Biden's ability to win re-election, citing the high stakes of the 2024 election. Bennet warned that losing to Trump could have dire consequences for the country and urged the White House to address concerns about Biden's viability.
Despite the mounting pressure, Biden remains resolute in his decision to continue his campaign. In a letter to Democratic congressmen, he reaffirmed his commitment to the race and his determination to defeat Trump. Biden's campaign spokesman emphasized that the race was always expected to be close and that the campaign would continue to engage with voters to secure support.
- Biden's performance during the June 27 debate with Donald Trump has been a focal point for critics. His struggles to express himself and the image of a man showing the weight of years have fueled concerns about his mental acuity.
- NBC and The New York Times reported that the Democratic presidential campaign has begun conducting surveys to assess how Kamala Harris would fare against Trump. This move indicates that the party is considering alternatives should Biden decide to step aside.
- High-profile defections from Biden's supporters, such as actor George Clooney, who co-hosted a major Democratic fundraising event, underscore the growing discontent. Clooney and other celebrities have expressed concerns about Biden's ability to replicate his previous successes.
- The Supreme Court ruling granting broad immunity to presidents for their official acts has also added complexity to the political landscape. This ruling has impacted the legal proceedings against Trump, leaving the outcome of the Stormy Daniels case uncertain.
