Majority of Voters Think President Biden Should Resign Now
Amid increasing scrutiny over his fitness for office, President Joe Biden decided last month not to seek reelection, with the move coming in the wake of a poorly received debate performance that raised doubts about his capacity to govern.
Now, a new poll reveals that 57% of likely voters, including 47% of Democrats, think President Joe Biden should resign immediately, given that he has withdrawn from his bid for another term, as the Daily Mail reports.
Biden, at 81 years old, has faced mounting pressure from the public and his own party. His recent debate performance in Atlanta, in which he appeared unable to respond coherently to numerous questions, has significantly impacted his political standing.
This lack of coherence during the debate has triggered concerns among donors and Democratic lawmakers, who feared electoral repercussions. High-profile discussions involving former leaders like Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama preceded Biden’s announcement to exit the race.
According to J.L. Partners' James Johnson, Biden's decision not to run has confirmed to many his unfitness for the office, which has shifted public opinion significantly.
Public Perception Shifts Following Debate
The same poll by J.L. Partners that spotlighted the call for Biden's resignation indicates a severe shift in public perception. Nearly half of the Democratic base now aligns with the majority of voters in believing Biden should step down immediately.
"It seems his announcement that he is leaving the race has confirmed to the public at large that he is not fit for office, as well as running again," stated James Johnson from J.L. Partners.
This sentiment is exacerbated by the unprecedented situation of a sitting president being deemed unfit by a substantial portion of his supporters and the general electorate.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, has echoed this sentiment, asserting that Biden’s inability to run for a second term should also disqualify him from continuing in his current role. "If Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as president," he argues.
White House Responds to Resignation Calls
In response to the escalating calls for his resignation, the White House has termed these demands "ridiculous." Despite the criticism, Biden plans to remain active in politics, focusing on his administration’s achievements and ongoing projects.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended the president, emphasizing his commitment to his role.
"And he wants to finish the job that he started and deliver more historic results for the American people," she said, pointing to initiatives like the $150 million "Cancer Moonshot" program.
Biden also plans to address the Democratic Party convention in Chicago, aiming to bolster his legacy by highlighting his administration's key legislative successes and policy initiatives.
Looking Ahead
Despite the calls for his resignation and the debate debacle, President Biden is looking ahead to the last stretch of his term. He intends to focus on his legacy and the implementation of his key policies and legislation during the remaining months of his presidency.
He aims to use the upcoming Democratic Party convention as a platform to reaffirm his dedication to his political and policy goals, perhaps setting the stage for the future direction of the party.
Biden's strategy involves emphasizing his administration’s accomplishments and the policies he believes will secure his legacy as president.
In conclusion, President Joe Biden, amid calls for resignation and questions about his fitness for office, plans to focus on his legacy while rejecting calls to step down. This follows his announcement not to seek reelection after a problematic debate performance.
Public opinion, as indicated by recent polls, reflects the position of a significant portion of voters, including Democrats, who now see his resignation as the appropriate course of action.