Amid mounting concerns about his age and performance, President Biden faces increasing pressure to reconsider his candidacy for the upcoming presidential race. Despite assertions to the contrary from his spokeswoman on Wednesday, speculation about Biden’s fitness to serve another term has intensified.
Last August, an Associated Press-NORC poll revealed that three-quarters of U.S. adults believed Biden was too old to effectively fulfill another four-year presidential term, a sentiment that continues to gain traction.
“I’m anxious. I lie awake at night worrying. I don’t think Joe Biden is the strongest candidate for this election. I’m not sure who would be, but I’m concerned that Biden can’t win, and that’s deeply troubling,” expressed one American voter.
On Wednesday night, Biden held a more than hour-long meeting at the White House, both in person and virtually, with over 20 Democratic governors. Post-meeting, the governors described the discussion as “frank” but reaffirmed their support for Biden, despite apprehensions about a potential victory by Trump in November.
“The president remains our nominee and leader of our party,” asserted Governor Wes Moore of Maryland, emphasizing Biden’s determination to secure victory.
However, significant figures within the Democratic Party, including major donor Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix, have called for Biden’s withdrawal from the race. Hastings argued, “Biden must step aside to allow a dynamic Democratic leader to defeat Trump and safeguard our nation’s prosperity.” This sentiment was first reported by The New York Times.
Adding to the chorus, Representative Jim Clyburn, a close friend and confidant of Biden, proposed a “mini-primary” ahead of the Democratic National Convention next month in the event of Biden’s departure. Clyburn’s suggestion appears aimed at preparing alternative candidates for delegates to consider during the Democrats’ scheduled virtual roll call preceding the formal convention starting August 19 in Chicago.
Clyburn, a senior lawmaker and former member of his party’s House leadership, expressed concerns over Biden’s recent debate performance, stating, “I have not seen the president act in such a manner before, and it is troubling.”
Following Thursday’s debate, there has been growing private frustration among Democratic allies regarding the Biden campaign’s response to his perceived poor performance at a critical juncture in the campaign. Critics point to Biden’s delayed efforts to address concerns directly with senior party members.
Biden’s limited public appearances in uncontrolled settings have also drawn scrutiny. By June 30, he had conducted only 36 news conferences, fewer than any president at the same stage since Ronald Reagan, according to Martha Joynt Kumar, director of the White House Transition Project. In comparison, Biden had given 128 interviews, significantly fewer than Donald Trump’s 369 at the same point in his presidency and 497 by Biden’s former boss.
Responding to post-debate pressure, Biden has agreed to an interview with George Stephanopoulos of ABC News on Friday, with his team announcing plans for a news conference the following week.
Reflecting on the fallout from the debate, Jill Abramson, former executive editor of The New York Times, criticized the media’s response, describing it as a missed opportunity to hold those in power accountable.
The evolving narrative surrounding Biden’s candidacy underscores a story that has been brewing for months, one that, some argue, has not gone unnoticed by the American electorate.