'The Almighty calls for Biden: They want you gone, sir'

TOI World Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Jul 9, 2024, 19:28 IST

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The Democratic-media establishment, often considered a powerful force in American politics, is urging President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race, following his disappointing debate performance and subsequent media scrutiny, according to an editorial in the Wall Street Journal. The WSJ reports that the media, which had previously supported Biden, has turned against him, citing instances of cognitive decline.

'The Almighty calls for Biden: They want you gone, sir'

President Joe Biden departs after delivering remarks in the White House in Washington. (Doug Mills/The New York Times)

The Democratic-media establishment, often regarded as the "Almighty" in American politics, is urging President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race. This plea comes in the wake of Biden's disappointing debate performance and subsequent media scrutiny, an editorial in the Wall Street Journal said.
Driving the news

As per the WSJ report, the Democratic-media establishment, which has been supportive of Biden, has turned against him following his poor debate performance.
In his interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC, Biden displayed defiance amid an intensifying campaign to push him out. However, the media, which previously supported Biden, has now turned against him, citing numerous episodes of cognitive decline. This shift in media coverage has forced the establishment to acknowledge Biden’s declining capabilities, which have been apparent to the American public and highlighted in polls for over a year, the WSJ editorial said.
This shift indicates that the establishment no longer believes Biden can win against Donald Trump, making his withdrawal a strategic move to protect the party's chances in the upcoming election.
"The backroom conversations are already underway about what to do if, or more likely when, Mr Biden bows out. The encomiums will be effusive. He will be praised as if he is George Washington at the Chicago convention," the WSJ editorial said.

The big picture

Elected Democrats are cautiously defecting, with some urging Biden to step aside to protect vulnerable seats in the upcoming election. Key figures, such as Maine Rep Jared Golden and Virginia Senator Mark Warner, are openly discussing ways to ease Biden out of the race.
The pressure is mounting as even former President Barack Obama and his advisers signal a potential end for Biden's presidency, highlighting the deepening rift within the party.
This internal conflict is compounded by the establishment's need to maintain party unity and focus on defeating Trump, creating a complex situation with no easy solutions.

What they are saying

David Axelrod, former adviser to Barack Obama, suggested on CNN that Biden's presidency might be nearing its end, expressing this sentiment more in sorrow than anger.
Axelrod’s comments reflect a growing consensus among Democratic strategists that Biden’s continued candidacy could be detrimental to the party’s chances.
CNN’s chief medical correspondent, Sanjay Gupta, has called for a cognitive test for Biden. In response to the scrutiny, Biden defended his mental fitness, asserting that his daily work is a cognitive test in itself. His recent interview responses, however, have highlighted his struggle to maintain coherent thoughts, raising further doubts about his capability.

Zoom in

Amid the ongoing debate about the US president's health, his physician, Kevin O’Connor has released a statement saying Biden has not undergone any specialized neurological tests since his annual physical in February.
The statement was released following queries regarding frequent visits to the White House by Dr Kevin Cannard, a neurologist from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
O’Connor clarified that Cannard, who has been involved in the president's annual physicals for years, visits the White House to treat military personnel stationed there, not to provide ongoing care to Biden.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre affirmed that Biden has not been treated for or medicated for Parkinson's disease.

Who could replace Biden

Some have suggested Michelle Obama as a potential nominee, but she has consistently declined, stating “no” to the idea. Despite this, a poll showed that 50 percent of respondents would vote for Obama if she ran, placing her seven points ahead of Trump.
More probable candidates include Kamala Harris, who as Vice President is a straightforward replacement for Biden. Harris, with her background as a prosecutor and California senator, could appeal to young voters and minority communities. Adam Schiff expressed confidence in Harris's potential success, although her approval ratings remain similar to Biden's and Trump's. Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, has been actively supporting the Biden-Harris campaign in key states and is now being considered a potential candidate himself, with a poll showing 39 percent support for him.
As per an Aljazeera report, other possible replacements are Gretchen Whitmer, JB Pritzker, and Josh Shapiro. Whitmer, the Governor of Michigan, gained recognition during the Covid-19 pandemic and holds substantial support in her state. Pritzker, the Governor of Illinois, is noted for his outspoken criticism of Trump and progressive policies. Shapiro, the Governor of Pennsylvania, has positive approval ratings and is viewed as a balanced leader, though his stance on Israel might divide voters. Whitmer, Pritzker, and Shapiro have varying levels of support in polls, with Whitmer at 36 percent, Pritzker at 34 percent, and Shapiro enjoying a 57 percent approval rating in a recent poll.

What next

The Democratic establishment is preparing for Biden's potential exit, with Vice President Kamala Harris emerging as the likely successor despite her own challenges, including trailing Trump in polls.
Some Democrats argue for an open contest to determine the nominee at the convention, which could invigorate the party but also risk internal divisions.
The urgency to resolve Biden's candidacy is driven by the need to present a unified front against Trump, as continued infighting and uncertainty could jeopardize the party's chances in the general election.
The establishment’s maneuvering behind the scenes indicates a recognition that Biden’s candidacy might no longer be tenable, and they are exploring all options to ensure the Democratic Party can effectively challenge Trump in November.

The Almighty calls for Biden

"Mr President, the Almighty is on the line. Not the Deity you invoked Friday night in your interview on ABC. The Big Guy appears to be sitting out this presidential race. We mean the closest thing to the Almighty in American politics: the Democratic-media establishment. They want you gone, sir, and the question is when you admit it and oblige," the WSJ editorial said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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