In recent months, speculation has mounted over President Joe Biden‘s capacity to run for re-election in 2024, fueled by a series of public incidents that have raised questions about his age and fitness for office. According to a report from the Daily Mail, whispers of a potential replacement within the Democratic Party have grown louder, especially after two recent events that have sparked widespread concern.
During a fundraiser in Los Angeles on Saturday, former President Barack Obama was seen guiding the 81-year-old Biden off the stage, a moment that did not go unnoticed. This followed an incident earlier in the week at a White House Juneteenth celebration, where Biden appeared to freeze, staring blankly for nearly a minute as others around him sang and danced. It was Philonise Floyd, the brother of George Floyd, who eventually came to Biden’s aid, wrapping his arm around the President and guiding him.
White House spokesperson Andrew Bates quickly dismissed the concerns, calling the viral video of Biden’s pause a “cheap fake memo” spread by the media. However, the denials have done little to quell the speculation about Biden’s ability to continue his presidency, let alone run for a second term.
Biden’s age poses a danger to his re-election bid
Polling expert Nate Silver added fuel to the fire, suggesting on social media that Biden’s age and declining approval ratings could pose significant risks to his re-election bid. “Dropping out would be a big risk. But there’s some threshold below which continuing to run is a bigger risk,” Silver noted. He pointed out that Biden’s approval rating had hit a new low of 37.4 percent, with his age being a primary concern for voters. “Biden looks/acts his age and is a huge outlier to ask for the job until 86 [years old],” Silver wrote.
Adding to the chorus of skepticism, Atlantic columnist Mark Leibovich recently labeled the President “Ruth Bader Biden,” drawing a parallel to the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, who faced criticism for not retiring during Barack Obama’s presidency and subsequently passed away during Donald Trump’s term. Political strategist James Carville also chimed in, bluntly stating that Biden should not have run for re-election.
Biden is debating Trump to fend off naysayers
In a bid to silence critics and demonstrate Biden’s readiness for another term, his team has scheduled an early presidential debate on June 27. The decision is seen as a high-stakes gambit; a strong debate performance could rally Democrats behind Biden, but any misstep could intensify calls for his replacement, according to David Axelrod, who played a key role in Obama’s presidential campaign.
Former Clinton advisor Mark Penn has highlighted the significance of this debate. “They have deliberately thrown down the gauntlet for an early debate,” Penn said. “I think that’s gonna be the point at which Americans judge: is he ready for another term or not.”
Democrats are preparing for the possibility of Biden faltering
Behind the scenes, party insiders are reportedly preparing for the possibility that Biden may falter. According to one Democratic strategist, it would take a concerted effort from major party figures—Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, and Chuck Schumer—to persuade Biden to step aside. “It would have to be the four of them collectively,” the strategist said, as per the Daily Mail report.
Replacing a sitting president is no easy feat. One consultant compared the challenge to turning a massive, doomed container ship—an operation fraught with danger and complexity. However, there is a belief among some party members that a well-executed transition could work.
Political columnist Joe Klein recently suggested that a vigorous, young candidate could potentially reinvigorate the party with a single, powerful convention speech. Drawing comparisons to Barack Obama’s electrifying address at the 2004 Democratic Convention, Klein theorized that such a moment could unite disaffected Democrats and appeal to moderate independents.
As the early debate date approaches, all eyes will be on Biden. His performance could very well determine not only his political future but also the Democratic Party’s prospects in the 2024 election.
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