ABC News' Jonathan Karl believes the interview will do little to alleviate concerns among Democrats about President Biden's mental fitness and political viability.
President Biden's highly anticipated interview with ABC News has failed to quell the growing unease among Democratic voters and party leaders about his fitness for office, fueling speculation that he may face pressure to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.
ABC News' Jonathan Karl, echoing the sentiments of many within the party, predicted that the interview would do little to "calm the nerves" of "jittery Democrats" who have been increasingly vocal in their doubts about Biden's cognitive abilities.
Biden Interview Leaves "Jittery Democrats" Unconvinced
The interview, which aired on Friday night, saw Biden dodge questions about whether he would take a neurological test and commit to stepping down if his cognitive health deteriorated. This avoidance has further stoked concerns among some Democrats, who view it as a sign of a president who is not being fully transparent about his physical and mental fitness.
Polling guru Nate Silver, reacting to the interview, said: "The most generous way to put it is that he doesn't seem in command, and that's an extremely hard sell when you're Commander in Chief."
Biden Interview Leaves "Jittery Democrats" Unconvinced
Silver pointed to Polymarket statistics showing a "57% chance" of Biden dropping out of the race, indicating the growing likelihood that Democrats will intensify pressure on him to step aside.
Former Obama adviser David Axelrod added to the chorus of criticism, stating: "The president is rightfully proud of his record. But he is dangerously out-of-touch with the concerns people have about his [capacities] moving forward and his standing in this race."
Biden Interview Leaves "Jittery Democrats" Unconvinced
Businessman and former Democratic LA mayoral candidate Rick Caruso echoed Axelrod's sentiments, calling on Biden to "step aside" and recognize that it is "the right and honorable thing" for him to do at this critical juncture.
Biden's performance in the interview raised additional eyebrows when he expressed uncertainty about whether he had watched his debate performance against President Trump. This admission, coupled with his fumbling and evasive answers to tough questions, has led some to question his focus and mental acuity.
Biden Interview Leaves "Jittery Democrats" Unconvinced
Former New York Times reporter Bill Carter pointed to Biden's refusal to take a cognitive test as a clear sign of fear, stating: "Surprised no emphasis on fact that Biden flatly refuses to take cognitive test. Clearly afraid of the possible results. And that is enormously telling."
CNN contributor S.E. Cupp declared that the interview "did not help. At all," adding: "There's no 'A for effort.' It's beat Trump or step aside."
Despite the widespread negative reaction to the interview, some analysts believe that it may not be the death knell to Biden's candidacy. However, they acknowledge that it will further erode confidence among Democrats and intensify pressure on party leaders to confront the issue of Biden's fitness for office.
The New Republic editor Michael Tomasky observed: "That was the worst possible outcome: not anywhere near good enough to settle matters, but also not quite bad enough to be a slam-dunk that he has to go tomorrow."
Conservative radio host Erick Erickson predicted that while the interview may not have forced Biden out of the race, it will embolden Democrats to push party leaders to demand his withdrawal.
Biden's shocking debate performance and subsequent interview have created a political earthquake within the Democratic Party, with many wondering whether he can remain a viable candidate and lead the party to victory in 2024. As the campaign progresses, the pressure on Biden to address the concerns about his cognitive abilities and political viability will only intensify.
