In the wake of a series of public blunders, President Joe Biden's political future is under scrutiny, with concerns reportedly being voiced by former President Barack Obama and ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Biden's ability to lead the Democratic ticket against Donald Trump in the upcoming elections is being questioned, following his lackluster performance in a recent presidential debate against Trump.
According to The Independent, Biden's debate performance has sparked calls for him to step aside and make way for a younger successor. However, the President remains resolute, stating in a press conference in Washington DC, "We have never been here before. That is why I didn't hand off to another generation I have to finish this job because there's so much at stake."
Biden's determination to stay the course has been undermined by a series of gaffes. In a recent incident, he referred to his deputy Kamala Harris as "vice president Trump." Earlier, he introduced Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky as "President Putin" at a NATO event. These blunders have added to the growing skepticism about his competence to serve.
Despite the internal divisions within the Democratic Party over Biden's prospects, he has received an endorsement from the influential Jim Clyburn. However, the party's future and past seem to be at odds over the President's predicament. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is reportedly working to build power, while Pelosi is leveraging the power she has accumulated over decades.
Biden's recent gaffes have been captured on camera, further undermining his case for staying on. During a press conference, he referred to his deputy Kamala Harris as "vice president Trump," stating, "I wouldn't have picked vice president Trump to be vice president, though I think she was not qualified to be president," without correcting himself. The reactions of his cabinet members, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, were captured on camera, revealing their dismay at the President's blunder.
Obama and Pelosi have reportedly expressed their concerns about Biden's future privately. According to CNN, both are unsure about how to address the situation, especially since neither Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer nor House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has the personal influence with Biden to sway him. Pelosi has been non-committal on Biden, stating that questions about his wellbeing are "legitimate." Obama reportedly knew about his friend George Clooney's New York Times op-ed calling for Biden to step aside and raised no objections.
Meanwhile, Trump's attorneys have asked the judge overseeing his hush money trial to dismiss the 34-count verdict against him. They argue that several pieces of evidence used against the former president fall under the scope of the Supreme Court's decision, which shields presidents from criminal prosecution for "official" acts in office.
Biden's faltering appearances have led to widespread speculation about his health, particularly within his own party. However, he has had some better moments, such as during a recent press conference where he criticized his Republican rival for his idleness.
Trump and his allies have been quick to mock Biden following his gaffe at the press conference. Trump posted on Truth Social, "Crooked Joe begins his 'Big Boy' Press Conference with, 'I wouldn't have picked Vice President Trump to be Vice President, though I think she was not qualified to be President.' Great job, Joe!"
As Biden's political future hangs in the balance, the question remains: Can he convince the American electorate and his fellow Democrats that he is the right person to lead the ticket against Trump in the upcoming elections? Only time will tell.
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