There needs to be immediate and substantial action from President Joe Biden to assuage the Democratic Party’s fears following his dismal showing in the debate against former President Donald Trump.
As concerns about Biden’s mental health and reelection campaign turn into a real challenge to his hold on the Democratic nomination, prominent party members are demanding more transparency and information regarding the president’s health and well-being. This comes after Texas Representative Lloyd Doggett broke ranks on Tuesday and demanded that Biden step aside.
Despite repeated attempts by the president, his administration, and his campaign staff to address the issue, it continues to worsen. To illustrate his point, Biden made light of his two exhausting visits to Europe last month by telling contributors that he “almost fell asleep onstage” with Trump on Tuesday night. As he seeks reelection at the age of81, it was a strange move to counter accusations that he is unfit to continue performing the rigorous duties of his post.
In an astonishing campaign involving two presidents—one with a criminal record and the other the oldest to ever hold the office—the aftermath of the debate has added yet another unusual turn. Many Democrats’ concerns about Biden’s chances were amplified throughout the debate, which in turn contributed to months of Trump’s (78) assertions that Biden is mentally weakened and weak.
On Tuesday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had to go through a briefing that was nearly as excruciating as the argument. She mentioned that Biden was feeling better now, despite the fact that he had a cold throughout the debate. She chose not to elaborate more than Biden’s fitness for duty determination from February, which was based on his already-released annual physical findings. None of the reasons given explained why, during the CNN debate, Biden seemed to fumble for words, look confused at moments, and stand with his mouth agape as Trump spoke.
Biden’s staff also has a habit of providing inaccurate responses.
Jean-Pierre emphasized that “the best predictor of future behavior is past performance,” referring to Biden’s record in office during the past three and a half years as the real measure of his talents.
However, the main question that the discussion sought to answer was whether or not voters believe he can ably complete another term that would conclude at the age of 86, given his present weakened condition. We relate to the sentiments of the American people,” Jean-Pierre emphasized. Yes, we understand. But the more she briefed, the more curious people were about the president’s inner circle and what truly went on there.
Public demands for the president to step down so the party can choose a new nominee are still far from reaching critical mass, even as the Democratic firewall surrounding him is beginning to break. Biden and his staff can no longer disregard the demands of prominent Democrats for greater candor and vigor from the president in his campaigning. The president is in a very precarious position as he seeks reelection since no one can currently foresee how the fear over Biden’s performance will end.
“The age question was the big question going into that debate,” Vermont Democrat Peter Welch said on Tuesday. That age dilemma became more pressing as a result of the discussion.
“We must address that. On “NewsNight,” Welch spoke with CNN’s Abby Phillip about the existential question confronting the Democratic Party: how can we prevent Trump from becoming president? She emphasized the importance of considering how best to safeguard democracy and America in all decisions, from President Biden on down to a precinct captain in the South Side of Chicago.
Concerns about Biden’s health and stamina have, perhaps most importantly, ruined the president’s campaign’s months-long anticipation of a contrast between the calm, collected, and statesmanlike Biden and the untamed, lawless Trump. The debate was Biden’s finest opportunity to gain ground on the former president, and he may have wasted it. The race was close, and he was on the verge of losing.
President Biden to Appear on ABC News
Biden will give an interview to ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos on Friday—an even more important test of his acumen than the debate—in an attempt to assuage public anxiety. Following calls for direct communication, which highlighted the reality that many Democrats believe Biden’s inner circle has been distant and indifferent to their concerns over the past few months, he will meet with Democratic governors in Washington on Wednesday, either remotely or in person.
In an incredibly open interview with CNN on Tuesday, Andy Beshear, the governor of Kentucky, claimed that Biden’s debate was “rough” and that it will hurt his campaign regardless of the polls.
“Joe Biden is our nominee, and ultimately that decision on continuing or not will fall to him and his family,” Beshear told Pamela Brown, adding that Beshear might be Biden’s replacement nominee if the former withdraws. “However, I fail to see any problem with requesting that the president address the American people somewhat more regarding his well-being or that performance in that debate.”
He elaborated, saying, “It’s like seeing an old acquaintance who seems a bit off, so you decide to ask them how they are doing and just listen to their response.” By doing so, you are demonstrating care for them and checking in to see whether everything is OK.
Nancy Pelosi, the former speaker of the House, followed Beshear’s lead in stating that Biden would be an excellent president and that Trump would be extremely dangerous for the rule of law. Additionally, she made assumptions about the president’s well-being.
On Tuesday, she voiced her concern about the presumptive Republican nominee and said on MSNBC, “I think it’s a legitimate question to say, is this an episode or is this a condition?” She also acknowledged that the inquiry was fair.
