Calls Mount for Biden to Exit 2024 Race Following Faltering Debate Performance –
President Joe Biden’s mental fitness is under scrutiny after a lackluster performance in a presidential debate against Republican candidate Donald Trump. The 81-year-old president’s faltering presentation during the June 27 debate has raised serious questions about his ability to lead for another term. Biden appeared to lose his train of thought, at times looking exhausted or confused, fueling doubts about his capacity to handle the demanding role of president.
In the wake of the debate, Biden and his supporters have launched a damage control campaign, scrambling to assure voters of his fitness. However, dissatisfaction is brewing within the Democratic camp, with a growing list of representatives calling for Biden to step aside.
The debate’s most significant impact is the intensification of doubts about Biden’s capacity to win the presidential election in November. Experts point out that this adds to existing dissatisfaction over his handling of inflation, the Gaza war, and immigration issues at the southern border with Mexico. An Ipsos poll revealed a drop in voter confidence in Biden’s mental fitness from 28 percent to 20 percent post-debate.
Historically, presidential debates have been pivotal in US elections since first airing in 1960, often shifting voter support towards the better speaker. Following the June 27 debate, voter preferences shifted towards Trump by an average of 3.5 points, according to an analysis by the Brookings Institution. Before the debate, Trump led Biden by an average of 1.5 points. Another Ipsos poll showed post-debate voter support for both candidates tied at 40 percent.
Analysts emphasize that even small shifts are crucial in what is set to be a tight election in a deeply polarized country. Within the Democratic Party, five members of the US House of Representatives—Seth Moulton (Massachusetts), Lloyd Doggett (Texas), Raul Grijalva (Arizona), Mike Quigley (Illinois), and Angie Craig (Minnesota)—have openly called for Biden to step aside.
A separate group of Democrats, convened by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (New York), discussed how to pressure Biden to step down during a virtual meeting, as reported by The Associated Press.
If Biden were to drop out, it would be nearly unprecedented for a nominee to step down so close to an election. In such a scenario, the Democrats would need to field another candidate. Biden could nominate Vice President Kamala Harris to continue, but her approval ratings are not significantly higher than Biden’s, casting doubt on her ability to defeat Trump.
Harris would inherit Biden’s campaign funds, whereas other nominees would start from scratch. If Biden steps down before the August 19-22 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the party could nominate another candidate, a method last used in 1968 after Senator Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination.
Alternatively, the Democratic Party could invoke the 25th Amendment, which allows for the removal of a president deemed unfit by the vice president and a majority of Congress. If contested, the matter would be decided by a two-thirds majority vote in Congress.
Donors also wield significant influence. Some Biden campaign donors, including former PayPal CEO William “Bill” Harris, are calling for Biden to step down. Harris, who donated $620,000 to Biden’s 2020 campaign, has described Biden’s departure as “inevitable” and is leading a group of donors pledging $2 million to fund debates among Democratic candidates to find a replacement.
Hollywood producer Damon Lindelof, in an opinion piece on Deadline, urged fellow donors to impose a “DEMbargo,” withholding donations until there is a change at the top of the ticket. Lindelof wrote, “When they text you asking for cash, text back that you’re not giving them a penny and you won’t change your mind until there’s change at the top of the ticket.”
The pressure on Biden is mounting from all sides. His debate performance has not only shaken his campaign but also the confidence of his party and its supporters. As calls for his replacement grow louder, the future of the Democratic ticket hangs in the balance. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Biden can retain his position or if the Democratic Party will face the unprecedented challenge of nominating a new candidate so close to the election.
