Biden's Age a Concern for 80% of Voters: Poll
A new Wall Street Journal poll reveals that 80% of voters believe President Joe Biden is too old to run for re-election, with former President Donald Trump leading Biden by six points following a recent debate.
Biden's favorability rating has significantly dropped, raising concerns about his cognitive health and ability to continue his campaign, despite White House attempts to tamp down such worry, as National Review reports.
Biden Trails Trump in Recent Poll
According to the poll, Biden faces significant concerns about his age from the electorate. The poll shows that 80% of voters view him as too old to seek another term in office.
Following a debate performance where Biden frequently stumbled and struggled to respond to questions, his favorability rating has decreased to 34%. This drop in favorability marks a troubling period for the president’s campaign.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump has surged ahead in the polls, now leading Biden by six points -- 48% to Biden's 42%. Trump's lead is the widest it has been since late 2021.
Independent Voters Lean Toward Trump
One area of concern for Biden's campaign is the shift among independent voters. The recent debate appears to have had a significant impact, with 31% of independent voters indicating that the debate made them more likely to support Trump.
The perception of Biden’s age and cognitive health has exacerbated doubts among voters. A CBS post-debate poll echoed this sentiment, with 72% of voters expressing that Biden does not possess the mental and cognitive capacity required for the presidency.
Additionally, the percentage of voters who view Biden as too old to run has risen by seven points since February, signaling increasing concerns over his ability to serve another term.
Calls for Biden to Drop Out
Within his own party, some Democratic representatives have voiced their concerns more openly. Raúl Grijalva from Arizona has suggested that Biden consider stepping aside. “If he’s the candidate, I’m going to support him, but I think that this is an opportunity to look elsewhere,” Grijalva stated.
He added that Biden should shoulder the responsibility for maintaining his party’s seat in the White House, which might entail withdrawing from the race. “What [Biden] needs to do is shoulder the responsibility for keeping that seat—and part of that responsibility is to get out of this race,” Grijalva emphasized.
Likewise, Lloyd Doggett from Texas has also supported the notion that Biden should consider exiting the race for the sake of the party and the nation's needs.
Biden Resolute on Sticking to the Race
Despite such calls, President Biden has maintained a firm stance on his desire to continue his presidential campaign. “Let me say this as clearly as I possibly can as simply and straightforward as I can: I am running . . . no one’s pushing me out,” Biden declared.
He further emphasized his commitment to the race by stating, “I’m not leaving. I’m in this race to the end and we’re going to win.” Biden remains confident in his campaign's ability to secure victory in the upcoming election.
Future Implications for Biden's Campaign
The evolving dynamic between Biden and Trump in the polls indicates a challenging path ahead for the President. As voters become increasingly concerned about Biden's age and mental acuity, his campaign will need to address these issues to regain favor.
With Trump’s lead the widest it has been in over two years, Biden’s team is faced with the task of revitalizing his image and demonstrating his capability to lead effectively.
As the 2024 election approaches, the focus on Biden’s age and health will likely persist, influencing voter perceptions and potentially impacting the overall outcome of the race.
The Democrats are now at a crossroads, weighing the loyalty to their incumbent president against the pragmatic considerations of fielding a candidate with broader appeal and fewer perceived vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, the latest Wall Street Journal poll has underscored significant concerns about President Biden’s age and cognitive health, with 80% of voters deeming him too old for another term, and Trump's lead widening in the polls, prompting calls within the Democratic Party for Biden to reconsider his candidacy. Despite these dynamics, Biden remains steadfast in his resolve to continue his campaign.