The cognitive health of President Joe Biden has been repeatedly questioned by several voters, expressing doubts about the 81-year-old's ability to serve in the next presidential term, even before the recent debate between him and ex-president Donald Trump.
However, following the debate Thursday, these doubts have now increased, with nearly three-quarters of the electorate, including many from his own party, questioning his health, CBS News reported, based on its CBS News/YouGov survey, conducted with a national sample of 1,130 registered voters.
In February, nearly two-thirds had said the same about President Biden's cognitive abilities.
Biden is 81 years old, while Trump is 78. Democrats' concerns are more strategic, focusing on his campaign effectiveness rather than his presidential decision-making.
Meanwhile, most voters cite concerns about his ability to campaign and govern, especially due to his age.
During the debate, Biden addressed his age and said, "I know I'm not a young man, to state the obvious. Well, I know. Folks, I don't walk as easy as I used to. I don't speak as smoothly as I used to. I don't debate as well as I used to."
He added, "But I know what I do know — I know how to tell the truth ... I know right from wrong. And I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done. And I know, like millions of Americans know, when you get knocked down, you get back up."
Following the debate, many Republicans believed Trump should be running for president as he presented ideas more clearly, appeared more presidential, inspired more confidence, explained his policies better and ultimately won the debate.
However, many voters thought none of the candidates performed well in the debate.
Biden has not convinced voters that a second term would improve their financial situation, while Trump is still seen as better in this area. Biden also hasn't made a stronger case than Trump on protecting democracy.
Following the debate, some democratic officials reportedly noted that Biden should not run for president again and, instead, give another Democrat a chance. More voters are also now interested in talking about the presidential race, with 59% saying it's on their minds, up from 48% recently.
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