Majority of Democrats Urge Biden to Withdraw from Presidential Race

In a surprising turn of events, nearly two-thirds of Democrats believe that President Joe Biden should withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and allow the Democratic Party to nominate a different candidate. This sentiment comes from a recent poll conducted by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, revealing deep concerns within the party about Biden’s ability to effectively serve as president.

Key Findings from the Poll

The poll highlights significant apprehension among Democrats regarding Biden’s candidacy:

• Broad Dissatisfaction: Approximately 66% of Democrats think Biden should not run for re-election, reflecting a growing unease about his viability as a candidate.
• Confidence Issues: Only around 30% of Democrats express high confidence in Biden’s mental capability to serve as president, a decrease from 40% in an earlier poll conducted in February.
• Generational Divide: Younger Democrats are particularly disenchanted, with 75% of those under 45 urging Biden to step aside, compared to about 60% of older Democrats.

Implications for Biden’s Candidacy

The findings pose a significant challenge for the 81-year-old president as he strives to quell internal party calls for his withdrawal and to persuade Democrats that he remains the best option to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Despite Biden’s efforts to stabilize his campaign following a lackluster debate performance, the poll underscores the steep hill he must climb to regain the confidence of his party.

The poll was conducted largely before an assassination attempt on Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, with early indications suggesting this incident did not significantly alter public opinion regarding Biden.

Vice President Kamala Harris Under Scrutiny

As discussions about Biden’s potential withdrawal gain traction, Vice President Kamala Harris is also under increased scrutiny:

• Favorability Ratings: Harris’s favorability rating mirrors that of Biden, although the percentage of Americans with an unfavorable opinion of her is slightly lower.
• Role in the Campaign: Her position becomes even more critical if Biden decides to step down, positioning her as a key figure in the party’s future strategy.

Interestingly, Black Democrats appear to be among Biden’s staunchest supporters:

• Support from Black Democrats: About 50% of Black Democrats believe Biden should continue his campaign, a stark contrast to roughly 30% of white and Hispanic Democrats who share the same view.
• Overall Sentiment: Despite this, the general consensus among Democrats aligns with the broader American sentiment, with 70% of all respondents indicating that Biden should drop out of the race.

While Biden faces internal party challenges, Trump’s situation is somewhat different:

• Trump’s Withdrawal: About 60% of Americans want Trump to withdraw from the race, but this view is less common among Republicans compared to Democrats and independents.
• Republican Stance: Relatively few Republicans support the idea of Trump stepping down, highlighting a stark partisan divide in the approach to their respective candidates.

The poll reveals diverse personal opinions among Democrats:

• Concerns About Age and Capability: Andrew Holcomb, a 27-year-old Democrat from Denver, voiced his concerns about Biden’s age and capacity to serve effectively.
• Support for Biden: Conversely, Janie Stapleton, a 50-year-old Democrat from Mississippi, believes Biden is still the best candidate for president.

The poll results underscore a critical juncture for President Biden and the Democratic Party. As Biden works to demonstrate his fitness for office and regain the confidence of his party, the coming months will be crucial in shaping the landscape of the 2024 presidential race. The internal divisions and generational rifts within the party highlight the complex dynamics at play, with significant implications for the future of Democratic leadership and strategy.