WASHINGTON: A majority of Democrats are urging President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 US presidential race following concerns over his recent debate performance against former President Donald Trump.
According to the latest Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos survey released on Thursday, both Biden and Trump garnered 46 percent support among registered voters. This result mirrors a similar poll conducted by ABC News-Ipsos in April, underlining the tight contest between the incumbent and his Republican challenger.
The poll also reveals a stark division within the Democratic ranks, with 56 percent of Democrats expressing the view that Biden should end his reelection bid. This sentiment reflects broader concerns over Biden’s debate performance in Atlanta last month, where he faced criticism for struggling to articulate coherent messages and complete sentences.
Amid calls for Biden to step aside, speculation has intensified about the potential candidacy of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. The survey suggests that Harris would perform marginally better against Trump, securing 49 percent support compared to Trump’s 47 percent.
The pressure on Biden has escalated beyond party lines, with two-thirds of all Americans expressing the opinion that Biden should exit the White House race. Conversely, half of the respondents believe Trump should withdraw from the contest.
While influential figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have refrained from directly urging Biden to withdraw, there is a growing consensus among Democrats for Biden to make a swift decision about his political future. The situation has been further complicated by Biden’s insistence on continuing his campaign despite the internal and external pressures.
Critics have pointed out Biden’s relatively infrequent public appearances and news conferences, raising concerns about transparency regarding his health and age, particularly as he approaches his 82nd birthday. The poll reflects a notable increase in public perception regarding Biden’s age, with 85 percent of respondents now believing he is too old for a second term, up from 81 percent in April.
