Biden's ABC Interview Raises Concerns Among Democrats, Fueling Calls for Withdrawal

President Biden's highly anticipated interview with ABC News did little to allay the concerns of "jittery Democrats" about his cognitive abilities and suitability for the 2024 race.

Despite the interview's intended purpose of damage control following Biden's disastrous debate performance, the president's responses have further fueled calls for him to withdraw from the race.

ABC News' Jonathan Karl expressed a grim reaction, stating that the interview would not "calm the nerves" of Democrats pushing for Biden to step aside. The president's refusal to commit to a cognitive exam and his uncertainty about whether he had watched his own debate performance raised eyebrows and sparked condemnation.

Biden's ABC Interview Raises Concerns Among Democrats, Fueling Calls for Withdrawal

Polling guru Nate Silver called the interview "disqualifying," citing the 57% chance of Biden dropping out of the race according to Polymarket. Former Obama adviser David Axelrod wrote that Biden is "dangerously out-of-touch" with the concerns about his capabilities, highlighting his decline in poll ratings compared to the same time four years ago.

Businessman and former Democratic LA mayoral candidate Rick Caruso joined the chorus of voices calling for Biden to step aside, citing the critical nature of the upcoming election. President Biden's repeated dodging of questions about a neurological test further fueled suspicions, with former New York Times reporter Bill Carter suggesting that Biden may be afraid of the possible results.

Biden's ABC Interview Raises Concerns Among Democrats, Fueling Calls for Withdrawal

While some acknowledged that the interview was not the death knell to Biden's candidacy, they expressed concern that it would only increase the heartburn among Democrats as the campaign unfolds. The New Republic editor Michael Tomasky described it as the "worst possible outcome," not good enough to settle matters but not bad enough to force him out immediately.

However, conservative voices suggested that the interview would help Biden stay in the race, with Fox News contributor Ari Fleischer predicting that Democrats would be "stuck" with him as he digs in. Biden's defiant statement at a Wisconsin rally that he is "staying in the race" further solidified his determination to remain in contention.

Biden's ABC Interview Raises Concerns Among Democrats, Fueling Calls for Withdrawal

The ABC interview has become a major turning point in Biden's presidency, with the president facing mounting pressure to address concerns about his cognitive abilities and the future of the Democratic Party. As the race continues, it remains to be seen whether these concerns will ultimately lead to Biden's withdrawal or if he will defy the odds and secure a second term.