Following President Joe Biden's lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump, Democratic anxiety is on the rise. Texas Rep. Lloyd Doggett has become the first Democratic lawmaker to call for Biden to step aside, sparking concerns within the party about the president's health and mental state.
During the debate, Biden's responses appeared incoherent at times, fueling speculation about his ability to serve another term at the age of 81. White House press secretary confirmed that Biden had a cold during the debate but had not taken medication. However, questions remain about his performance and demeanor on stage.
Senior Democrats are now demanding more transparency from Biden and his team, with some suggesting that he should consider stepping aside to allow the party to choose another nominee. While public calls for Biden to withdraw are not yet widespread, the pressure on him to address concerns about his candidacy is mounting.
Democratic governors have also expressed unease about Biden's debate performance, with some suggesting that he should provide more information about his health and readiness for the presidency. The comparison between Biden and Trump, which was expected to favor Biden, has been overshadowed by doubts about the former's health and fitness for office.
Despite Biden's insistence on staying in the race, some Democrats are beginning to consider alternative scenarios, including the possibility of Vice President Kamala Harris taking the lead. A recent poll showed that a majority of Americans believe Democrats would have a better chance of defeating Trump with a different candidate.
As pressure mounts on Biden to address concerns about his candidacy, the future of his reelection campaign remains uncertain. Democratic leaders are calling for more clarity and openness from the president as the party grapples with the implications of his debate performance.
