President Biden's disappointing display in the CNN presidential debate has triggered widespread concern within the Democratic Party, with pundits and strategists calling for him to withdraw from the 2024 race.
President Biden's performance at the CNN Presidential Debate has sent shockwaves through the media landscape, prompting widespread criticism and calls for his withdrawal from the 2024 race.
CNN's John King highlighted the "very aggressive panic in the Democratic Party" that emerged during the debate. Party strategists, elected officials, and fundraisers expressed dismay over Biden's performance, fearing its negative impact on the party's electoral prospects.
Biden's 'Dismal' Debate Performance Sparks 'Full Fledged Panic' Among Democrats
Kasie Hunt echoed these concerns, noting the "nearly beside themselves" reactions from Democrats watching the debate.
Media outlets have intensified their criticism, with CNN's Chuck Todd suggesting Biden resembled the "caricature" portrayed by conservatives. Bloomberg Opinion editor Tim O'Brien described Biden as a "dazed punching bag" who allowed Trump to control the momentum despite his fabrications.
Biden's 'Dismal' Debate Performance Sparks 'Full Fledged Panic' Among Democrats
MSNBC host Joy Reid bizarrely blamed the Biden campaign's stage positioning for his poor showing, lamenting that it prevented him from making eye contact with Trump.
However, the most significant fallout has been the growing chorus of voices calling for Biden's withdrawal. New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman lamented the "heartbreaking moment" that convinced him Biden should step aside. Fellow columnist Nicholas Kristof suggested the Democratic nominee be selected at the convention, with potential candidates including Gretchen Whitmer, Sherrod Brown, or Gina Raimondo.
Biden's 'Dismal' Debate Performance Sparks 'Full Fledged Panic' Among Democrats
Alyssa Farah Griffin of "The View" argued that Biden should prioritize the country over his legacy by ending his candidacy. Eric Levitz of Vox labeled the debate a "disaster" and urged Biden to save his legacy by bowing out.
Financial Times associate editor Edward Luce panicked online, calling for Democrats to address the situation urgently. The Young Turks' Cenk Uygur exclaimed that "it's over," describing Biden as "ancient" and "losing his train of thought."
Biden's 'Dismal' Debate Performance Sparks 'Full Fledged Panic' Among Democrats
Mark Leibovich of The Atlantic published an op-ed titled "Time to Go, Joe," expressing the need for Biden to step down for the sake of his dignity, the party, and the country.
The Drudge Report ran the headline "OPERATION: REPLACE BIDEN," featuring a poll asking who would be the best Democrat to succeed him.
CNN commentator Van Jones, who had celebrated Biden's 2020 victory with tears of joy, made an emotional plea for Biden to withdraw. He emphasized the president's failure to meet the expectations of the base and the country, causing "not just panic but pain."
The widespread condemnation of Biden's performance has raised serious questions about the viability of his candidacy and the future of the Democratic Party in the upcoming election.
