This would shake up the election.
President Joe Biden has expressed a willingness to consider suggestions that he end his reelection campaign and allow another Democrat to run, amidst growing concerns about his mental fitness, according to a recent report.
The New York Times reported that, although Biden remains committed to his campaign, he has recently shown increased openness to discussions about stepping aside. An unnamed source close to Biden indicated that while the president is willing to listen to these suggestions, there is no indication that he is ready to make a decision to withdraw. Another source suggested that Biden’s openness may be influenced by recent polling results, particularly in key swing states, and challenges related to fundraising.
In recent weeks, several prominent Democrats and progressive figures have urged Biden to withdraw from the race, advocating for a new candidate to secure the Democratic nomination. These calls have intensified following concerns about Biden’s mental and physical health, which were highlighted by his criticized performance in a recent debate.
The Times editorial board, following the debate, argued that Biden is no longer the leader he was four years ago. They pointed out his difficulties in articulating his agenda for a second term, responding to Trump’s provocations, and holding Trump accountable. The editorial described Biden’s performance as problematic, suggesting that other Democratic leaders might be better suited to challenge a potential second Trump presidency.
Despite the growing pressure, Biden has reaffirmed his intention to seek reelection. In a recent interview with NBC News anchor Lester Holt, Biden defended his mental acuity and argued that his age, while slightly older than Trump’s, has not impacted his effectiveness. He emphasized his achievements over his presidency and expressed confidence in his ability to continue serving. However, NBC News noted that during the interview, Biden occasionally mumbled and his voice sometimes trailed off.
A survey released by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that nearly two-thirds of Democratic respondents believe Biden should withdraw from the race, with only about a third feeling confident in his mental capability to effectively serve as president.
