President Joe Biden’s first televised interview since his debate performance last week has done little to alleviate concerns among Democrats about his age, health, and ability to win the 2024 presidential election. Despite showing more energy and forcefulness in his ABC News interview with George Stephanopoulos, top Democratic operatives and members of Congress remain worried about Biden’s fitness for another term.
Increased Concerns After Debate
In the interview, Biden appeared more animated and made a strong case for his accomplishments. However, many Democrats believe the issue lies not in his past performance but in his capability to lead for another four years. David Axelrod, a longtime Democratic strategist, noted, “The question the debate raised is about his fitness for the next four years, not his performance in the past four years. And he simply doesn’t acknowledge that concern.”
Democratic Party’s Reaction
The president’s denial of his party’s widespread concerns has left many Democrats unsettled. A House Democrat, speaking anonymously, emphasized, “Denial of the problem is not a solution or a path forward to convincing our constituents that he has the capacity or the vision for four more years.”
Increasing Calls for Biden to Step Down
The interview did little to stem the onrush of Democratic incumbents and candidates calling for Biden’s ouster. Already, four members have expressed that Biden should step down as the nominee, with another two doubting his ability to beat Trump. This growing sentiment is expected to intensify when Congress reconvenes next week.
Leadership Discussions
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Mark Warner are organizing discussions among Democratic leaders to address the concerns about Biden. These meetings will focus on Biden’s path forward and the potential impact on the party’s efforts to regain control of the House.
Campaign’s Defense
The Biden campaign described his performance on Friday, which included a rally in Wisconsin and the interview with Stephanopoulos, as “forceful.” Talking points circulated by the campaign stated, “President Biden is clear-eyed and he’s fully in this race to win.”
Mixed Reactions
While some Biden allies, such as Sen. John Fetterman and Rep. Jim Clyburn, defended the president, their support did little to quell the overall anxiety within the Democratic Party. Rep. Mike Quigley joined others in calling for Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race, emphasizing the need for a fresh candidate to prevent what he termed an “utter catastrophe.”
Conclusion
The Democratic Party continues to grapple with the implications of Biden’s age and health on his reelection bid. The ABC interview has not resolved these concerns, and the party faces an increasing push to consider alternative candidates for the 2024 presidential election.
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