New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof argues that President Biden is likely to lose the 2024 election and that his age and cognitive abilities are major concerns. Kristof calls for Democratic leaders to consider replacing Biden with a younger candidate.
President Biden has faced mounting criticism over his age and cognitive abilities, with some calling for him to step aside and allow a younger Democratic candidate to battle former President Trump in the 2024 election.
New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof has been particularly vocal in his criticism of Biden, arguing that he is "likely to lose" if he remains atop the ticket.
Should Biden Bow Out? Columnist Calls for Age and Cognitive Concerns to Be Addressed
"Polling and election history suggest that Trump is a weak candidate but that the Democrats are on course to nominate one who is even weaker," Kristof wrote. "There is a surprising subservience within the Democratic Party to the person of President Biden over the goals that Democrats say they are committed to achieve. In part, I fear, that’s cowardice,"
Kristof pointed to the recent incident where Biden appeared to forget the name of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, calling him a "Black man" in an interview with BET. He also cited Biden's age and the possibility of further cognitive decline as reasons for concern.
Should Biden Bow Out? Columnist Calls for Age and Cognitive Concerns to Be Addressed
"The issue is not just politics but also national security," Kristof wrote.
Biden has faced increasing calls from within the Democratic Party to step aside. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., became the latest prominent Democrat to publicly call for Biden to leave the race.
Should Biden Bow Out? Columnist Calls for Age and Cognitive Concerns to Be Addressed
Behind the scenes, powerful figures like former President Obama and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi are reportedly pessimistic about Biden's chances as well.
If Trump is the fundamental threat, then Democrats can’t be loyal to a "losing candidate" in Biden, Kristof argued.
"I recognize that Biden may not withdraw, and in that case this debate within the Democratic Party may increase the likelihood of a Trump victory. But it’s worth doing everything possible to encourage Biden to make the right decision for his nation and his legacy, and in any case it’s important for the integrity of the party to have this discussion," Kristof wrote.
The Democratic Party faces a dilemma: remain loyal to Biden and risk losing the election, or replace him with a younger candidate and potentially alienate his supporters.
Biden's campaign has defended him, saying that he is and will be the Democratic nominee.
"Joe Biden has said he is running for President of the United States," Principal Deputy Campaign Manager Quentin Fulks said on Thursday. "Our campaign is moving forward, drawing a vision and a contrast between that of Project of 2025 and what we've seen for the past three days here in Milwaukee -- the extreme agenda of Republicans -- and that's where our focus is. There are no plans being made to replace President Biden on the ballot."
It remains to be seen whether Biden will step aside or if the Democratic Party will rally behind him for the 2024 election. The debate over Biden's age and cognitive abilities is likely to continue as the election approaches.
