Our most recent book is titled Divided We Stand: The 2020 Elections and American Politics. The 2024 race has begun. It is a fight between two very old men.
After Biden's bad debate performance last week, there has been off-the-record talk about replacing him on the Democratic ticket. Some Democrats have gone on the record.
A TV appearance last night was not quite a disaster, but not helpful, either.
President Biden on Friday dismissed concerns about his age, his mental acuity and polls showing him losing his re-election bid, saying in a prime-time interview that his sharpness is tested every day while he is “running the world.” He vowed to drop out only if “the Lord Almighty” told him to.
During a 22-minute interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, which aired unedited, Mr. Biden, 81, said there was no need for him to submit to neurological or cognitive testing. He said he simply did not believe the polls showing him losing. And asked how he would feel if former President Donald J. Trump were elected in November, he brushed off the question.
“I’ll feel as long as I gave it my all and I did the goodest job as I know I can do, that’s what this is about,” Mr. Biden said in an interview that was intended to assuage growing concerns about his age following last Thursday’s debate. But with him speaking in a hoarse voice and remaining defiant throughout, there was little indication that the interview would do much to stanch the bleeding during the deepest crisis of a long political career.
RT: @LordAlmighty: “Come on Joe, I’ve sent four bad polls and half the Democratic Leadership!”
— Mike Murphy (@murphymike) July 6, 2024
So many pitches he could've knocked out of the park. One thing that's missing now is a self-deprecating sense of humor he's always used to defuse stuff like this, but this time, it was tight smiles and stares and talking points from the debate and rallies. https://t.co/8CDoIKbIc3
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) July 6, 2024
NEW: Rep. Angie Craig becomes the 5th House Democrat calling on Biden to withdraw.
— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) July 6, 2024
"I do not believe that the President can effectively campaign and win against Donald Trump." pic.twitter.com/GsB9yU8Hdf
