Shocking twist in 2024 US Presidential race: Joe Biden out?

In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden is reportedly contemplating withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race. According to a Newsmax report by journalist Mark Halperin, sourced from Democratic insiders, the decision could be announced as soon as this weekend. This development comes amidst growing concerns within the Democratic Party regarding the President’s cognitive health and potential electoral viability against formidable opponents like Donald Trump.

Unprecedented Political Move:

The President, at 81 years old, has been subject to increasing scrutiny over his public appearances and debate performances, which have raised doubts about his capacity to endure another demanding campaign and term. The most telling instance occurred during last month’s presidential debate and subsequent public engagements, where Biden made several verbal gaffes. Notably, he referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” and mistakenly called Vice President Kamala Harris “Vice President Trump” during a press conference.

Democratic Reactions and Discussions:

Internal discussions about Biden’s campaign future have intensified. Reports from The New York Times and other sources reveal that key Democratic figures, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and even former President Barack Obama, have advised Biden to reconsider his candidacy. A source close to Pelosi shared details of a conversation where she candidly expressed doubts about Biden’s ability to secure a victory in November. Similarly, Obama has reportedly voiced concerns to allies about the viability of Biden’s continued candidacy.

Polling Data and Public Opinion:

Public sentiment appears to align with these internal concerns. A recent ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll indicates that two-thirds of Americans believe Biden should not seek re-election, with a significant 85% citing age as a major factor. These numbers suggest a challenging path ahead should Biden decide to continue his campaign.

Implications for the Democratic Nomination:

Should Biden officially withdraw, the Democratic Party would face an open convention to select its nominee, a scenario not seen in decades. Vice President Kamala Harris, despite being a potential frontrunner, has not been endorsed by Biden in this context, further complicating the party’s strategy as it heads into a critical election cycle.

The implications of such a high-profile withdrawal are profound, reshaping not only the Democratic Party’s approach but also the broader political landscape ahead of the 2024 elections. It underscores the importance of health and age considerations in the high-stakes arena of presidential politics.