With growing concern over President Biden's cognitive abilities, prominent figures in the media, including editorial boards and pundits, have joined calls for the president to withdraw from the 2024 race. Following a disappointing debate performance, numerous newspapers and supporters have expressed fears that Biden's candidacy could jeopardize the Democratic Party's chances against former President Trump.
President Biden has faced mounting pressure from the media to drop out of the 2024 presidential race following concerns over his declining mental health. The catalyst for this outcry was Biden's performance in the recent debate, which left many observers questioning his ability to serve as the leader of the nation.
Biden's Declining Mental Acuity: Media Calls for Retirement
The New York Times editorial board published an article on Friday calling Biden's candidacy a "reckless gamble," citing his struggles during the debate. The board questioned his ability to present a compelling alternative to Trump's presidency and urged him to consider withdrawing.
Maureen Dowd of the New York Times drew comparisons between Biden and Trump after the debate, condemning Biden's "selfish" insistence on remaining in the race. She expressed concerns that he was prioritizing his own ambitions over the well-being of the country.
Biden's Declining Mental Acuity: Media Calls for Retirement
Close friends and supporters of Biden, including Tom Friedman and Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times, have also urged him to withdraw. Friedman described his debate performance as "weeping" and expressed doubt that Biden had the capacity to lead effectively.
Jonathan Alter, a liberal journalist, labeled Biden "too old to serve," while David Ignatius of the Washington Post reiterated his previous calls for Biden to step aside.
Biden's Declining Mental Acuity: Media Calls for Retirement
On MSNBC's "Morning Joe," host Joe Scarborough expressed his love for Biden but questioned whether his performance warranted his continued candidacy. Co-host Mika Brzezinski, however, delivered a lengthy editorial urging the party to remain behind Biden.
The Chicago Tribune editorial board acknowledged Biden's past successes but concluded that his debate performance revealed a need for him to "bow out." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution echoed these views, calling Biden's platform "unclear" and "necessary for retirement."
Biden's Declining Mental Acuity: Media Calls for Retirement
Even some of Biden's supporters on ABC's "The View" expressed concerns after the debate. Sunny Hostin suggested that Biden "needs to be honest with himself" and consider stepping down, while Sara Haines and Alyssa Farah Griffin also voiced their support for him withdrawing.
CNN political commentator Van Jones expressed his disappointment in Biden's debate performance, stating that it failed to restore confidence in his leadership. He called for the party to consider a different path if Biden was unwilling to step aside.
Biden's Declining Mental Acuity: Media Calls for Retirement
Comedian Bill Maher, who had previously advocated for Biden's resignation, reiterated his belief that Biden would lose if he remained in the race. Liberal columnist Jill Filipovic urged First Lady Jill Biden to intervene and convince the president to withdraw.
Jay Parini of Middlebury College praised Biden's accomplishments but argued that his age and health concerns made him unfit for a second term. Mark Leibovich of The Atlantic called on Biden to step down for the sake of his own dignity and the well-being of the nation.
Biden's Declining Mental Acuity: Media Calls for Retirement
Bill Kristol of The Bulwark echoed these sentiments, stating that Biden's health problems and advancing age rendered him unsuitable for the presidency.
David Remnick of The New Yorker raised concerns about the potential implications of Biden's declining mental health on democracy, suggesting that his refusal to withdraw could jeopardize the principles he holds dear.
Biden's Declining Mental Acuity: Media Calls for Retirement
Despite these calls, Biden has maintained his intention to run for re-election. However, the growing scrutiny and concerns surrounding his mental state continue to cast doubt on his ability to lead the nation for another four years.
