US
Democrats have voiced their support for President Biden since Thursday’s much-commented debate with Republican candidate Trump. But with polls shifting since the debate and increased concern re the age of the President, cracks are beginning to appear within Democratic ranks. Texan lawmaker Doggett is the first to come out openly and say that Biden should step aside, which may allow other Democrats to voice their concerns.
- Biden is scheduled to meet democratic governors today to reassure the party but he may also face pressure to step down. He will also be interviewed by ABC News on Friday and continue campaigning this week.
- Doggett politely said that Biden should step aside as the debate failed to emphasise his achievements and the election was too important to risk. Californian Democrat Pelosi has said that it is “legitimate” to question Biden’s capabilities and Maryland’s Raskin observed that the debate had created a “difficult situation”. Biden is blaming his debate performance on jet lag.
- Voters increasingly believe that Biden is too old for the position with 72% voicing this in Sunday’s CBS News/YouGov poll up 7pp with 49% for Trump. 45% of registered Democrats in the survey think Biden should step down.
- PredictIt pricing has also shifted sharply since last week with the chance of Biden winning the November election halving to 24% between June 24 and July 3, while Vice President Harris has risen 26pp to exceed him at 30%. Both are well behind Trump on 58% up 6pp since June 24.
- The NY Times has also reported that Biden works short hours and has an afternoon sleep. It quoted officials observing times that he has found meetings challenging.
- The Democrat candidate will be confirmed at the party’s convention starting August 19 but Bloomberg is reporting that it could occur sooner on July 21.
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