Joe Biden, who has long seen himself as the only Democrat capable of defeating Donald Trump, won in 2020 and performed well in the 2022 midterms.
He aimed to end Trump’s tenure and make room for new leaders. Yet, Trump remains a strong rival, leading in recent polls.
This has sparked calls for Biden to step aside, spotlighting Kamala Harris as a potential replacement.
The media, political figures, and donors question Biden’s candidacy. The Boston Globe and others urge him to withdraw.
Despite denials of stepping down, doubts about his electability persist. At a White House meeting, Democratic governors voiced support for Biden.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore praised Biden’s leadership, emphasizing the need to defeat Trump on November 5.
Polls indicate a widening gap. The New York Times/Siena College poll shows Trump ahead by 6 points among likely voters.
The Wall Street Journal poll confirms a six-point lead for Trump. Furthermore, 80% see Biden as too old, and many prefer new candidates.
FiveThirtyEight and RealClearPolitics also show Trump ahead. Metaculus gives Trump a 64% chance of winning. At times, PredictIt investors favor Harris over Biden.
In 2020, Biden led by nine points before the election and narrowly won key states.
The electoral system requires Democrats to have a strong popular vote lead. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote in 2016 but lost the presidency.
Biden plans to counter negative views through interviews and press conferences, amid speculation about his possible withdrawal.
Harris is the top successor candidate, with significant backing. Her candidacy would keep campaign funding and delegate support, though it might alienate some voters.
Trump’s campaign has targeted Harris, emphasizing the urgency to defeat her.
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