Biden Performance Sparks GOP Debate: Replace or Risk Losing White House

House Republicans express concern that President Biden's declining health and poor debate performance may lead to a Democratic loss in the upcoming election, while some suggest a younger replacement could boost their chances.

As the fallout from President Biden's first presidential debate against former President Donald Trump in 2020 continues, some House Republicans have expressed private concerns about his fitness for office and the potential electoral consequences of fielding him as the Democratic ticket leader in November.

Multiple GOP lawmakers have indicated that Biden's weak performance in the debate, during which he appeared tired and seemed to fumble with his answers, has raised questions about his cognitive abilities and the wisdom of having him at the helm of the party for the upcoming election.

Biden Performance Sparks GOP Debate: Replace or Risk Losing White House

"As a human, it's probably good for Joe Biden that he's now probably not going to have to be subjected to this another four years. But for the party, it's not great. It's not clear to me that it's good for us, either," one House Republican told Fox News Digital on the condition of anonymity.

They added that the stark contrast between the sharp and aggressive Trump and the seemingly tired and less sharp Biden raised concerns about his ability to command the presidency effectively, stating, "We had Trump versus Biden, which was a very lopsided, in my opinion, a very lopsided fight… the Dems would be insane to run Biden again. Like, they can't, it's like they can't at this point."

Biden Performance Sparks GOP Debate: Replace or Risk Losing White House

Some lawmakers believe that replacing Biden with a younger and more popular candidate could make the race more competitive for the GOP. They suggested that a figure like California Gov. Gavin Newsom or a similar popular figure from New York could energize Democratic voters in those states and potentially threaten Republican-held swing seats.

"It changes everything. It's just a completely unknown wildcard right now," one GOP lawmaker said.

Biden Performance Sparks GOP Debate: Replace or Risk Losing White House

However, not all Republicans share these concerns. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) argued that voters would be primarily focused on Biden's policies, which he believes the majority of Democrats support, and that replacing him would not significantly change the dynamics of the race.

"What are they gonna do different?" Burchett asked, speculating that voters would assume a new candidate would back "the same policies that got us into this mess."

Biden Performance Sparks GOP Debate: Replace or Risk Losing White House

The uncertainty surrounding Biden's health and the impact it could have on the election has created a political dilemma for Republicans. They must decide whether to confront the known quantity of Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket or risk the unknown implications of a potential replacement.

"I think both [scenarios] are risky," a second House Republican lawmaker told Fox News Digital. "We know what we know with Biden at the top… we don't know what we don't know with someone else."

A senior House GOP aide was more direct, stating that Biden's continued presence at the top of the ticket provides the best chance for Republican success.

"Virtually any Democrat that potentially replaces Biden has an exponentially better chance of defeating Trump. Biden staying at the top of the ticket is the best-case scenario for a Republican trifecta," the aide said.

However, not everyone within the House GOP is convinced that a replacement for Biden would significantly alter the electoral landscape.

"We know what we know with Biden at the top… we don't know what we don't know with someone else," a second House Republican lawmaker said.

Despite the concerns raised by some Republicans, Biden has shown no intention of stepping aside, and top Democratic allies have publicly supported his decision to run for re-election.