In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden's decision to end his reelection bid has ignited a national conversation about whether he should step down from office immediately.
According to Daily Mail, a recent poll by J.L. Partners revealed that 57% of likely voters believe Biden should resign as president without delay.
Biden, who withdrew from the presidential race last month after a poor performance in a debate against Donald Trump, has faced mounting scrutiny over his ability to govern. Concerns about his age and fitness for office have persisted, particularly after he froze during the Atlanta debate, further fueling doubts about his capacity to lead.
Despite these growing calls for resignation, the White House has dismissed them as "ridiculous." Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden's press secretary, asserted that the president remains committed to completing his term and delivering on his promises. She emphasized that Biden intends to "finish the job" and continue achieving "historic results" for the American people.
However, the poll results indicate a significant shift in public opinion. Nearly half of Democrats, 47%, now believe that Biden should resign. This is a stark contrast to the overwhelming support he once enjoyed within his party.
According to James Johnson, co-founder of J.L. Partners, the erosion of Biden's authority is a troubling development. He commented that the president's decision to exit the race has only confirmed the public's doubts about his suitability for office. Johnson noted that this situation places Biden in "totally unprecedented territory," where a sitting president is facing widespread calls to step down.
The pressure on Biden to end his reelection campaign reportedly came from within his own party. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama are said to have played pivotal roles in persuading Biden to withdraw. Their concerns centered on Biden's ability to defeat Trump in a potential rematch and the potential impact on Democratic seats in Congress.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, has been vocal in his criticism of Biden, stating that if the president is not fit to run for office, he is also not fit to serve. This sentiment resonates with a substantial portion of the electorate, as 52% of independents also believe Biden should resign.
While Biden may have stepped back from the campaign trail, he remains focused on his legacy initiatives. Recently, he announced $150 million in funding for cancer research as part of his "Cancer Moonshot" program, demonstrating his continued commitment to tackling key issues during his remaining time in office.
Looking ahead, Biden is scheduled to address the Democratic Party convention in Chicago next week. This will be one of his first major appearances since ending his campaign. Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to follow Biden's speech, potentially signaling the party's future direction as uncertainty looms over Biden's remaining time in office.
As Biden prepares to address his party, the question of whether he should remain in office continues to dominate public discourse. The White House has reiterated that Biden is focused on delivering results, but the poll numbers suggest that many Americans are no longer convinced.
In summary, Biden's decision to withdraw from the race has sparked widespread debate over his fitness to continue serving as president. With 57% of likely voters calling for his resignation and nearly half of Democrats in agreement, the president faces an unprecedented challenge to his authority.
The White House's dismissal of these concerns as "ridiculous" has done little to quell the growing discontent. As Biden pushes forward with his policy agenda, the question of his ability to lead remains at the forefront of the national conversation.
