Special Poll
Democrats Face Mounting Pressure to Replace Biden Ahead of November Elections
As the political climate heats up, Democrats are increasingly confronted with the daunting possibility of heading into the November elections with President Joe Biden as their nominee—a scenario that many within the party are reportedly dreading.
This growing sentiment was encapsulated in a recent headline from The Hill, declaring, “Biden’s weakness becomes a bigger and bigger worry for Democrats.” The article highlighted concerns that Biden’s disappointing performance in key swing states could negatively impact Democratic Senate candidates.
Conversations with Democratic insiders paint an even more dire picture, describing the party’s mood as bordering on “blind panic.” Jonathan Chait of New York Magazine succinctly captured this sentiment, suggesting the Democrats have a “Joe Biden problem” rather than a broader party issue—a situation that might more aptly be described as a nightmare.
A Democratic strategist candidly expressed to The Hill the urgency of the situation, pointing out Biden’s poor polling on critical issues like inflation, immigration, and the war in Gaza. The strategist noted significant disapproval among crucial voter blocs, including young voters, and Black and Hispanic communities.
However, Biden’s challenges extend beyond his approval ratings. He faces significant competition from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is rapidly gaining traction and securing ballot access in states like Texas—where he recently submitted an impressive 245,572 signatures, doubling the required amount. This momentum suggests Kennedy could potentially siphon a significant number of voters from Biden, especially as he faces continuous attacks from the Democratic National Committee and the White House.
Furthermore, former President Donald Trump continues to exert influence, as evidenced by a recent rally in New Jersey that drew tens of thousands of supporters, including disillusioned Democrats. The ongoing legal and political battles waged by Democrats against Trump may inadvertently be bolstering his support base, a development that should alarm the Biden administration, given Trump’s history of outperforming his poll numbers.
Amidst these challenges, Biden has attempted to reassert his competitiveness with a video challenging Trump to a debate, which has been met with skepticism and has drawn comparisons to a disgruntled elder rather than a commanding leader.
With these factors at play, discussions within the Democratic Party suggest a palpable desire for alternative candidates like California Governor Gavin Newsom, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, or Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Despite the prevailing narrative that Biden’s nomination is inevitable, many Democrats hold out hope for a dramatic shift at the August convention—a potential “August Surprise” that could see Biden replaced by a more viable candidate.
As the convention approaches, the possibility of deploying this escape hatch remains a topic of intense speculation and hope among Democratic voters eager for a change at the top of their ticket.