- Polls suggest growing concern amongst Democrats over Biden’s age
- The recent poll comes after a shaky debate performance
- The poll shows 72% of registered voters believe Biden lacks the mental and cognitive health to serve as president, up from 65% in an earlier poll
- In comparison, 49% of voters expressed similar concerns about Trump
- Biden’s performance during the election debate has many calling for him to step aside ahead of the general election
- But it understood Biden plans to remain in the running for presidency
Folks, I might not walk as easily or talk as smoothly as I used to.
I might not debate as well as I used to.
But what I do know is how to tell the truth.pic.twitter.com/ep5D0EhT5P— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) June 28, 2024
Polls suggest growing concern amongst Democrats over Biden’s age after poor debate
A recent poll reveals that some Democratic voters are increasingly worried about Joe Biden’s mental fitness for the presidency following a shaky debate performance. The CBS News/YouGov poll, released on Sunday, shows that 72% of registered voters believe Biden lacks the mental and cognitive health to serve as president, up from 65% in an earlier poll. In comparison, 49% of voters expressed similar concerns about former President Donald Trump.
Alarmingly for Biden, 45% of registered Democrats in the poll think he should step aside for another candidate. Concerns about Biden’s age, 81, and Trump’s, 78, were already present but were heightened by Biden’s hoarse voice and muddled answers during the debate.
Despite these concerns, Biden’s family encouraged him to stay in the race during a visit to Camp David on Sunday. Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin acknowledged the “difficult situation” and confirmed that serious discussions are ongoing within the Democratic Party, but the final decision is Biden’s.
Key Democratic figures, including First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Barack Obama, admitted the debate wasn’t Biden’s best but dismissed calls for him to step aside.
Contrasting with the CBS poll, Biden campaign chairwoman Jen O’Malley released a memo claiming internal polls show it’s the “beltway class,” not average Americans, who doubt Biden. Biden administration officials argue that head-to-head polls, which show Biden either leading or tied with Trump, are more significant.
However, interviews with voters after the debate support the CBS poll’s findings, with many expressing concern about Biden’s performance.