A recent poll has highlighted growing concerns among Democratic voters about President Joe Biden’s mental fitness to serve as president, following a less-than-stellar debate performance last Thursday. This development is stirring significant discussions within the party as the 2024 election approaches.
Key Poll Findings:
- Mental and Cognitive Health: A CBS News/YouGov poll released on Sunday shows that 72% of registered voters believe President Biden lacks the mental and cognitive health to serve effectively, up from 65% in an earlier poll.
- Comparative Concerns: 49% of voters expressed similar concerns about former President Donald Trump.
- Democratic Voters’ Concern: Alarmingly for the Biden campaign, 45% of registered Democrats believe the president should step aside for another candidate.
Age and Debate Performance:
- Age Factor: Concerns about the age of the candidates, Biden being 81 and Trump 78, were already present before the debate. Biden’s hoarse voice and muddled answers during the debate have intensified these concerns.
- Family Support: Despite the debate performance, President Biden’s family urged him to continue his campaign during a visit to Camp David, according to sources.
Party Reactions:
- Internal Discussions: Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin acknowledged the “difficult situation” and confirmed that “very honest and serious and rigorous conversations” are ongoing within the Democratic Party. However, he emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with President Biden.
- Unified Front: Raskin stressed that regardless of Biden’s decision, the party would remain unified and would need Biden at the center of its campaign deliberations.
Support from Allies:
- Public Acknowledgment: Key Democratic figures, including First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Barack Obama, have publicly acknowledged that Biden’s debate performance was not his best.
- Rejection of Calls to Step Aside: Despite criticisms, many Democratic allies, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have rejected calls for Biden to step aside. Jeffries described the debate performance as a “setback” but framed it as “a setup for a comeback.”
The Road Ahead
The growing concerns about President Biden’s age and mental fitness are creating a complex situation for the Democratic Party as it heads into the 2024 election cycle. The party is grappling with the balance between supporting a sitting president and addressing voters’ concerns to ensure a strong candidate for the upcoming election.
As discussions continue, the Democratic Party faces the challenge of maintaining unity and confidence among its base while navigating the sensitive issue of leadership in the face of age-related concerns.