After a lackluster debate performance on Thursday night, political analysts and several US media organizations are urging President Joe Biden to reconsider his 2024 re-election bid. Adding to the growing chorus, Chandler West, former White House deputy director of photography under the Biden administration, has publicly called for Biden to step down.
Critique of former White House deputy director of photography
In an Instagram story following the debate, West wrote, “It’s time for Joe to go,” as reported by Axios. He elaborated, “I know many of these people and how the White House operates. They will say he has a ‘cold’ or just experienced a ‘bad night,’ but for weeks and months, in private, they have all said what we saw last night—Joe is not as strong as he was just a couple of years ago. The debate was not the first bad day … it’s not gonna be the last.”
West further alleged that White House aides have been aware for months of Biden’s declining mental health but chose to conceal it ahead of the debate. According to several unnamed current and former Biden aides cited by Axios, the president is mentally sharp from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but outside this window, he is prone to verbal lapses and fatigue.
Age and electability issues
President Biden’s age has been a significant concern among voters, with some Democrats calling for a new candidate. Despite low poll numbers and ongoing questions about his age, Biden has remained committed to seeking a second term. However, his troubling performance during the June 27 debate has reignited calls for him to step aside. Biden was seen fumbling and losing his train of thought while answering questions, including one from a CNN anchor on the economy and another regarding voters feeling “worse off” under his presidency.
Potential replacements
Should Biden withdraw from the race, delegates from all 50 states will need to find a replacement candidate promptly. Potential contenders include Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.