President Joe Biden faces mounting calls to withdraw from the upcoming election amidst growing concerns about his mental agility and declining poll numbers, despite his assurances to remain in the race.
Short Summary:
- President Biden vows to continue his election campaign despite declining poll numbers and calls to step down.
- Biden’s debate performance has raised concerns about his mental acuity among both voters and party members.
- Prominent Democrats and Hollywood figures are increasingly vocal about their worries over Biden’s candidacy.
The political landscape within the United States continues to heat up as President Joe Biden, despite facing mounting criticism and dwindling poll numbers, has stated firmly that he will remain in the presidential race. In a near-hour-long appearance, Biden stressed the “gravity of the situation” and emphasized that this was a time for experienced leadership.
The calls for Biden to drop out are growing louder, especially after his lackluster debate performance where he seemed disoriented and struggled to articulate policy points. A recent Washington Post/ABC poll indicates that 67 percent of respondents, including 56 percent of Democrats, believe Biden should withdraw from the race. Notably, Congress members Hillary Scholten, Greg Stanton, and Ed Case have recently joined this chorus, urging Biden to step aside for the good of democracy.
“President Biden has spent his life serving our nation and building the next generation of American leadership,” said Scholten. “For the good of our democracy, I believe it is time for him to step aside from the presidential race and allow a new leader to step up.”
Even veteran political figures and Democratic stalwarts like Vermont Senator Peter Welch voiced their concerns, arguing that Biden’s continued candidacy might benefit the opposition. Welch remarked that Biden’s withdrawal would be for the “good of the country.”
Adding to the pressure, George Clooney, a Hollywood icon and significant donor to Democratic campaigns, published a critical op-ed in The New York Times this week. He expressed that Biden’s age could severely impede the Democrats’ chances in the forthcoming elections.
“We are not going to win in November with this president. On top of that, we won’t win the House, and we’re going to lose the Senate,” Clooney wrote. “This isn’t only my opinion; this is the opinion of every senator and Congress member and governor who I’ve spoken with in private.”
CNN’s reported citing anonymous sources only added fuel to the fire, suggesting that Biden’s administration has fallen into a pattern of highly “orchestrated” and “scripted” cabinet meetings, bringing into question his leadership capabilities.
Nonetheless, there are factions within the Democratic Party rallying behind Biden, including notable figures from the progressive wing such as Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. These supporters, though often critical of some of Biden’s policies, particularly regarding Israel and Gaza, are choosing to stand behind him.
“Joe Biden is our nominee. He is not leaving this race. He is in this race, and I support him,” Ocasio-Cortez asserted.
Even Senator Bernie Sanders, a formidable contender in the 2020 Democratic nomination, echoed support for Biden while advocating for more progressive policies. Sanders commented that Biden and the Democrats could win if they focused on the working class’s needs and offered change that benefits working families.
“Biden and Democrats can win this election if they address the needs of the working class,” Sanders said in a statement. “The American people want change. It will either be the change of Trump’s reactionary and xenophobic policies or change that benefits working families.”
Despite internal division, Biden has not shied away from defending his record. During the final day of a NATO summit in Washington, DC, Biden highlighted his foreign policy acumen, especially his role in maintaining the alliance amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We’re the United States of America. We are the indispensable nation. Our leadership matters. Our partnerships matter. This moment matters. We must rise to meet it,” Biden emphasized during a news conference.
Yet, the ultimate decision rests solely with Biden. Despite the pressure from various quarters, only Biden can decide to step out of the race, a scenario that would lead to a contested convention where delegates would choose the new nominee.
Experts like Professors Tammy Greer and Matt Dallek have weighed in on this contentious issue, highlighting the challenges and unpredictabilities surrounding a potential withdrawal. Greer pointed out the potential fragmentation of the Democratic base, while Dallek discussed scenarios ranging from chaos to the emergence of an exciting new candidate.
“It is impossible to predict whether it would be a disaster or advantageous to the Democratic Party,” Dallek noted.
Biden, known for his defiance, echoed his unwavering stance during a press conference, stressing his qualifications and resilience. Responding to questions regarding his mental fitness and age-related concerns, he revealed that he had undergone multiple neurological exams and was prepared to do more if it was deemed necessary by his doctors.
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“Certainly, they’re free to do whatever they want,” said Biden about the potential decisions of Democratic delegates. “Tomorrow if all of a sudden I show up at the convention, and everybody says, ‘We want somebody else,’ that’s the democratic process.”
Skepticism about Biden’s candidacy is palpable not only in Washington, DC but also among voters nationwide. According to a recent Washington Post-ABC-Ipsos poll, most Democrats believe Biden should end his campaign, though Vice President Kamala Harris, despite mixed reviews, emerges as a preferred alternative if he steps down.
As the political tensions rise, the Biden administration continues to attempt to stave off further attrition within party ranks. Prominent figures like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have subtly pressured Biden to make a decision soon, highlighting the urgency and high stakes involved.
With several unscripted interactions planned, including a network interview with NBC’s Lester Holt, Biden is aiming to buy more time and rally support. However, whether these moves will stabilize his campaign in time remains uncertain.
The upcoming days are crucial, and Biden is acutely aware of the thin line he treads. The ongoing debate about his capabilities, juxtaposed with the desire for experienced leadership, keeps the political landscape tense and charged as the election season progresses.
