President Joe Biden’s recent debate performance has sparked significant concerns within the Democratic Party about his fitness for office and viability as a candidate in the upcoming presidential election. The 81-year-old president attributed his underwhelming performance to exhaustion from foreign travel despite having ample time to rest before the debate.
During a fundraising event in McLean, Virginia, Biden explained, “I wasn’t very smart. I decided to travel around the world several times in a couple of weeks before the debate. And didn’t listen to my staff and came back and nearly fell asleep on stage.” His remarks, however, have done little to quell the growing unease among some Democrats.
The debate on June 27, 2024 saw Biden struggling to articulate his points, appearing confused and delivering unintelligible phrases such as “we finally beat Medicare.” His performance was widely criticized, with former President Barack Obama acknowledging that Biden had a “bad” debate, while his rival, former President Donald Trump, suggested Biden was in a “trance.”
Adding to the controversy, Biden’s aides initially attributed his poor showing to a cold, later mentioning over-preparation and jet lag from recent trips to France and Italy as contributing factors. The president had traveled to France from June 5-9 to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and to Italy from June 12-14 for the annual G7 summit. However, Biden had spent the subsequent week at Camp David, with debate prep sessions starting late in the morning and allowing time for afternoon naps.
The fallout from the debate has led to calls from within Biden’s party for him to step aside. Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas became the first House Democrat to publicly call for Biden to withdraw from the race, urging him to follow the example of President Lyndon B. Johnson, who chose not to seek re-election in 1968. Similarly, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, a Democrat, expressed his lack of confidence in Biden, stating, “Biden’s poor performance in the debate was not a surprise. It also didn’t rattle me as it has others because the outcome of this election has been clear to me for months: While I don’t plan to vote for him, Donald Trump is going to win. And I’m OK with that.”
Internal Democratic polling shows Trump gaining ground in key states that previously supported Biden, such as New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Virginia. A CBS News poll revealed that 45% of Democrats want Biden to step aside, a sentiment echoed by The New York Times editorial board, which has called on the president to drop out of the race.
Despite the mounting pressure, Biden remains steadfast in his decision to stay in the race. “I’m not going anywhere,” he declared, addressing concerns about his age and cognitive abilities. Biden emphasized his accomplishments over the past three and a half years and argued that his record should be considered when evaluating his candidacy.
However, the debate performance has intensified doubts about Biden’s ability to campaign and govern effectively. Sources close to Biden have reported witnessing multiple episodes of cognitive decline in the past year, further fueling the debate within the Democratic Party about whether Biden is the best candidate to face Trump in the next election.
Following the debate, Biden’s family convened at Camp David to discuss the situation. According to insiders, First Lady Jill Biden and other family members expressed their unwavering support for the president, emphasizing their belief in his ability to lead and campaign effectively. The family discussion at Camp David was described as heartfelt and supportive, with a focus on rallying around Biden to boost his confidence and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Former Obama adviser David Plouffe expressed his dismay at Biden’s performance, noting, “It’s painful to watch.” He added that the party needs to address these concerns swiftly to maintain a competitive edge in the upcoming election. Plouffe’s sentiments were echoed by several other prominent Democrats who are increasingly vocal about their concerns regarding Biden’s ability to lead the party to victory in November.
Rep. James Clyburn, another influential Democrat, acknowledged the dilemma facing the party, saying that the party must ensure that its candidate is capable of not only winning but also effectively governing. Clyburn’s comments reflect a broader anxiety within the party about Biden’s ability to endure the rigors of a national campaign and the demands of a second term.
The debate performance has also impacted Biden’s fundraising efforts, with some key donors expressing doubts about his viability as a candidate. This concern has led to discussions among Democratic leaders about potential alternatives, although no consensus has emerged. Vice President Kamala Harris is frequently mentioned as a possible replacement, but there is no indication that Biden plans to step aside.
The upcoming months will be crucial for Biden as he seeks to reassure his party and the electorate of his capabilities. His planned appearances and interviews aim to demonstrate his fitness for office and counter the narrative of decline. However, the challenge remains significant, and the Democratic Party must navigate these concerns carefully to avoid a potential electoral setback.
The Democratic Party now faces a critical juncture, with some members advocating for a new nominee while others continue to support Biden. The president’s future as the party’s candidate remains uncertain as the party grapples with the fallout from his debate performance and the implications for the upcoming election.