**Democrats in Panic Over Joe Biden’s Debate Disaster ‘Sense of Shock’**
The recent presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party, leading to widespread panic and calls for Biden to step aside as the party’s nominee. The debate, which aired on Thursday night, was seen as a critical moment for Biden to reassure his base and the broader electorate of his capability to serve another term. However, his performance has only intensified concerns about his age and fitness for office.
From the outset, Biden’s voice was hoarse and raspy, and he struggled to maintain his train of thought. He stumbled over words, had to correct himself on numbers, and at one point, confusingly concluded a statement with, “we finally beat Medicare.” This lackluster performance has led to a sense of shock and disappointment among Democrats and political analysts alike.
Van Jones, a Democratic political analyst for CNN, expressed his dismay, stating, “That’s a good man. He loves his country. He’s doing the best that he can. But he had a test to meet tonight to restore confidence in the country and of the base, and he failed to do that.” Jones added that there is still time for the party to find a different path forward if Biden allows it.
Biden, 81, entered the debate needing to energize his campaign, unite his party, and address skepticism about his age and ability to serve another term. Although he improved as the debate progressed, he did not manage to quell the concerns. One House Democrat, speaking anonymously to USA TODAY, described the debate as a “disaster,” noting that “Trump lied and Biden played all defense.”
Another former Democratic member of Congress, also speaking anonymously, suggested that a private conversation needs to happen with Biden about allowing someone else to run as the Democratic nominee. The lawmaker admitted to turning off the debate after the first hour, unable to watch Biden’s performance.
David Axelrod, a former adviser to President Barack Obama, noted a “sense of shock” at how poorly Biden started the debate. “He seemed a little disoriented. He did get stronger as the debate went on, but by that time, I think the panic had set in,” Axelrod said on CNN. He predicted that discussions about whether Biden should continue would ensue.
Maria Shriver, a Biden supporter and member of the Democratic Kennedy family, shared her concerns on social media, stating, “I love Joe Biden. I know he’s a good man. I know his heart is good. I know he’s dedicated to our country and is surrounded by good people. Tonight was heartbreaking in many ways. There’s panic in the Democratic party. It’s going to be a long night.”
Despite the criticism, some within the Biden camp defended his performance. A Biden campaign adviser told USA TODAY, “President Biden is the only person who has ever beaten Donald Trump. He will do it again. Donald Trump did not give voters any reason to vote for him tonight. On the issues, the American people are with Joe Biden.”
Vice President Kamala Harris also defended Biden, stating, “What we saw tonight is the president making a very clear contrast with Donald Trump on all of the issues that matter to the American people. Yes, there was a slow start but it was a strong finish.”
However, not all Democrats are convinced. Businessman Andrew Yang, who ran for the Democratic nomination in 2020, tweeted, “Guys, the Dems should nominate someone else – before it’s too late,” adding the hashtag “#swapJoeout.”
Trump, sensing Biden’s difficulties, capitalized on the moment. “I really don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence,” Trump remarked during an exchange on immigration. “And I don’t think he knows what he said either.”
Republican strategist Mike Murphy, a Trump critic, also weighed in, describing Biden’s performance as a “disaster” and predicting that the panic within the Democratic Party would escalate.
Elise Jordan, an MSNBC contributor and former aide in President George W. Bush’s administration, suggested that if Biden cares about preserving American democracy, he should drop out of the election.
Geoff Garin, a Biden pollster, downplayed the Democratic unrest, stating that the reaction to the debate was “way overwrought.” He argued that Biden had a strong finish and that Trump’s extremism was on full display.
Despite the calls for Biden to step aside, replacing him on the ballot would be nearly impossible unless he voluntarily chose to do so. All the states have already held their presidential primaries, and Democratic rules mandate that the delegates Biden won support him at the party’s upcoming national convention unless he tells them he’s leaving the race.
Potential replacements for Biden have been floated, including Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. However, Biden has given no indication of wanting to bow out.
As the Democratic National Convention approaches, the party faces a critical decision. Whether Biden can overcome this setback and rally his base remains to be seen. For now, the Democratic Party is grappling with a sense of panic and uncertainty about its path forward.
Source: USA TODAY, CNN, Reuters, Politico, New York Times, ABC News
