In the lead-up to the November elections, the first live debate between U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump took place on Thursday evening on CNN. The encounter, which resembled an absurd comedy sketch, saw Biden as the clear loser. According to an instant poll by CNN, 67% of viewers believed Trump won the debate, while 33% sided with Biden.
This rating was more about their physical, sensory, and cognitive performances than their political views. The older candidate (Biden) lost, and the less old candidate (Trump) won. The 81-year-old Biden has a poor reputation for stage performances. He seemed to be shadowboxing while Trump loomed over him.
The encounter between the two candidates, aged 81 and 78, signals the decline of the established American political system. The future of America, with its 336 million population, hinges on the performances of these two elderly candidates. However, the realities of the American system do not align with the dreams of the younger generation, who feel a deep pessimism when it comes to politics.
In 2020, Democrats believed Biden was the only candidate who could defeat Trump. This belief proved true in November 2020, but it seems doubtful it will hold the same outcome in November 2024. Biden's performance on CNN has caused confusion among Democrats. Concerns are growing that Biden may not be able to win against Trump. The extent of the damage from Biden’s performance will become clearer in the upcoming polls.
What will happen if the “damage assessment” strongly indicates that Biden cannot continue? Mainstream Democrats often believe in not changing horses midstream. Therefore, the Democratic campaign is likely to focus on diverting attention from Biden's weaknesses and emphasizing the dangers of Trump for America. However, there are many dissenting voices within the Democratic camp. Even mainstream media outlets like the New York Times are suggesting Biden should step down. While Trump's nomination within the Republican camp is solidifying, Biden's camp is in turmoil. The only realistic option seems to be Biden stepping down voluntarily.
Biden admitted in speeches on Friday that his performance on CNN did not look good, but he maintained that he is equipped to defeat Trump. The Democratic campaign stated that Biden's poor performance was due to a ‘cold,’ but this defense does not seem convincing to observers.
According to reports in the U.S. media, behind closed doors, Democrats are conducting “emergency” evaluations. They are urging congressional leaders and Biden's wife, Jill, to convince him to step down. However, Jill Biden firmly responded, “There is no one I want to see in the Oval Office more than my husband right now.” Former Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are trying to calm the panic in Biden’s camp.
Trump's Republican primary rival Nikki Haley also weighed in on the debates. On her “X” account, she posted, “Mark my words...Biden will not be the Democrats’ candidate. Republicans, stay on guard!” Haley seems to imply that if Biden steps down, the Republican candidate should also change. Biden and Trump’s candidacies will be officially confirmed at the party conventions in July and August. Haley, who withdrew from the primary race, might still be hoping for a nomination.
Within the Democratic camp, potential candidates if Biden steps down include Vice President Kamala Harris, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker. Traditionally, if Biden steps down, Vice President Harris is considered the most suitable candidate. However, Harris’s approval ratings and vice-presidential performance are not strong. Therefore, some Democrats want both Biden and Harris to step aside and make way for new candidates who can challenge Trump.
All these options depend on Biden agreeing to step down and strongly supporting the new presidential and vice-presidential candidates. As of now, such a possibility does not seem likely.
