Why Democrats are Worried about Joe Biden’s Debate Performance
Democratic lawmakers in Congress are expressing concerns about President Joe Biden’s ability to take on Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Following his poor performance in the recent presidential debate, some Democrats are urging Biden to consider stepping down from the race.
Currently, Reps. Lloyd Doggett (Texas) and Raúl Grijalva (Ariz.) are the only Democrats publicly calling for Biden to drop out. However, many others are privately worried about Biden’s chances against Trump and are waiting for him to make a decision.
On the other hand, there are Democrats like Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) who believe that Vice President Kamala Harris would be a suitable replacement for Biden if he chooses to exit the race.
Despite growing unease among some Democratic House members, leaders like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries continue to back Biden. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also expressed support but emphasized the need for Biden to be more visible and engage with the media.
Some lawmakers, like Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), have taken a different approach. Golden, a member of the centrist Blue Dog Coalition, believes that Trump will win the election but trusts in the country’s institutions to safeguard democracy.
In the Senate, anxiety is also high, particularly in key battleground states where Democratic incumbents are polling better than Biden. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) opted to campaign elsewhere in her state rather than join Biden at a recent rally.
While some Democratic aides feel that concerns about Biden’s age and fitness have been ongoing for some time, others believe that the recent debate has highlighted these issues more prominently. Biden’s declining numbers in post-debate polls have raised further alarms within Democratic circles.
Despite the internal doubts, the White House is resolute in its support of Biden, with press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre affirming that there’s no consideration for him to drop out. Both Biden and Harris have reassured campaign aides of their commitment and strength in the face of challenges.
As the election nears, the Democratic Party remains divided on the best course of action regarding Biden’s candidacy. While some advocate for a change in leadership, others argue that it’s essential to rally behind Biden to defeat Trump.
Ultimately, the future of Joe Biden’s campaign hangs in the balance, with Democratic lawmakers grappling with uncertainty and conflicting perspectives on the path forward.
