The recent release of a special counsel report has once again raised questions about President Joe Biden's fitness for office, and Democrats are growing increasingly worried about relying on Biden in a crucial election.
Talk of replacing Biden has been going on for some time but the release of the new report has truly changed the equation and Democrats are being forced to make a tough choice.
Despite being 81 years old, Biden vehemently pushes back against suggestions that he may be losing his mental sharpness.
After Robert Hur's Biden age comments, could any Democrats really take his place in 2024? https://t.co/ENKNPtUNGF
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) February 14, 2024
In a show of support, his White House team, reelection campaign, and fellow Democrats have rushed to his defense, asserting that his cognitive abilities remain intact.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, representing New York, sought to reassure reporters on Tuesday, asserting, "I talk to President Biden regularly. Usually several times a week. His mental acuity is great, it’s fine, it’s as good as it’s been over the years."
Schumer dismissed allegations of Biden's cognitive decline as "propaganda" perpetuated by right-wing elements.
Republicans have amplified concerns about Biden's capacity to discharge his duties effectively, going so far as to call for the invocation of the 25th Amendment or his resignation.
This has been met with a mixed response from voters, who express reservations about Biden's age, especially as he potentially faces off against former President Donald Trump in a rematch.
A recent ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted after the release of the report revealed a striking statistic: 86% of Americans believe Biden is too old to serve another term. Furthermore, a significant portion of respondents, 59%, expressed similar sentiments about both Biden and Trump, who is 77.
While prominent figures within the Democratic Party have refrained from openly urging Biden to step down, speculation about his ability to continue serving as president has sparked discussions about potential successors.
Should Biden decide to relinquish his candidacy, Vice President Kamala Harris emerges as the most likely successor.
At 59 years old, Harris was Biden's first major pick for the vice presidency in 2020, and she would seamlessly fit into the narrative of the "Biden-Harris" ticket. However, doubts linger about Harris's effectiveness as a campaigner, fueled by her lackluster performance during the 2020 primary.
Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota has also garnered attention as a potential contender. Phillips, who challenged Biden in the primary, emphasizes the need for a generational shift in leadership. Yet, despite his efforts, he remains a distant third in the primary race, prompting questions about his viability as a candidate.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the question of who will lead the Democratic Party into the future remains open, with implications for the party's unity and electoral prospects.
