What's happened
President Joe Biden is under increasing pressure to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race following a poor debate performance and concerns over his age and health. Despite calls from Democratic lawmakers, Biden remains committed to his campaign, while Donald Trump speculates on potential successors if Biden steps aside.
What's behind the headline?
Impact of Biden's Debate Performance
- Biden's poor showing in the June debate has intensified scrutiny of his fitness for office.
- Concerns about his age (81) and health are now central to the campaign narrative.
Democratic Party Dynamics
- Calls for Biden to step aside are growing, with over 30 Democratic members urging him to consider an exit strategy.
- The party risks internal conflict if Biden remains in the race despite declining support.
Trump's Position
- Trump believes Biden's ego will prevent him from withdrawing, suggesting that if Biden steps down, Harris would likely take his place.
- Trump's comments reflect a strategic advantage as he capitalizes on Biden's vulnerabilities.
Future Implications
- Biden's decision to stay in the race could lead to further divisions within the Democratic Party.
- The outcome of this situation will significantly influence the 2024 election landscape.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Biden's commitment to the race is unwavering despite increasing pressure from within his party. Trump, in an interview with Fox News, speculated that Biden's ego would prevent him from stepping aside, suggesting that Vice President Kamala Harris would be the likely nominee if he did. Sky News reported that Biden's performance in the debate has led to a sense of panic among Democrats, with some insiders discussing an exit strategy for the president. The Times of Israel highlighted Biden's insistence on his mental acuity, despite the growing concerns about his age and health. Overall, the narrative is shaped by contrasting views on Biden's viability as a candidate and the implications for the Democratic Party's future.
How we got here
Biden's campaign has faced scrutiny since a disastrous debate performance in June 2024, raising concerns about his mental acuity and age. This has led to calls from some Democratic lawmakers for him to step aside, with Vice President Kamala Harris seen as a likely successor.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Biden's debate performance?
- How are Democrats reacting to Biden's campaign?
- What does Trump think about Biden's chances?
Common question
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Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.