Biden's Debate Performance: Media Calls for Withdrawal Amid Growing Concerns

President Biden's debate performance has sparked widespread calls from the media and Democratic circles for him to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Concerns mount over his cognitive abilities, raising fears that his continued candidacy could jeopardize the party's chances of victory.

President Biden's debate performance on Thursday night has ignited a firestorm of criticism and calls for him to step down from the 2024 presidential race. Leading media figures, editorial boards, pundits, and even his own fervent supporters express deep anxiety about his ability to lead the country effectively.

Biden's Debate Performance: Media Calls for Withdrawal Amid Growing Concerns

The New York Times editorial board penned a scathing rebuke, calling Biden's candidacy a "reckless gamble" and suggesting there are more capable Democrats who could present "clear, compelling, and energetic alternatives" to a second Trump presidency. Maureen Dowd compared Biden to Trump, accusing him of selfishly prioritizing his own ambitions over the country's best interests.

Many of those calling for Biden's withdrawal emphasize their strong support for him in the past. Tom Friedman, a close friend and New York Times columnist, admitted "weeping" over Biden's performance. Nicholas Kristof and Paul Krugman also urged him to exit the race, despite their admiration for his progressive agenda.

Biden's Debate Performance: Media Calls for Withdrawal Amid Growing Concerns

Jonathan Alter, a liberal journalist, bluntly declared Biden "too old to serve," while David Ignatius of the Washington Post reiterated his previous calls for the president to step aside. On MSNBC's "Morning Joe," Joe Scarborough expressed love for Biden but conceded the need to discuss his withdrawal. Even Mika Brzezinski, Scarborough's wife and co-host, later delivered a lengthy monologue advocating for the party to stay the course with Biden.

The Chicago Tribune's Clarence Page acknowledged Biden's strong points but stressed the need for him to "bow out," citing his subpar debate performance. The Tribune editors urged him to step down with honor, recognizing his limitations in handling the demands of the presidency.

Biden's Debate Performance: Media Calls for Withdrawal Amid Growing Concerns

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's editorial board also called for Biden's departure, arguing that he failed to outline key aspects of his platform. ABC's "The View" panelists, including Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, and Alyssa Farah Griffin, expressed concerns about Biden's cognitive abilities and suggested he should consider withdrawing.

CNN's Van Jones appeared emotional, stating that Biden failed to restore confidence in the country despite his good intentions. Comedian Bill Maher reiterated his long-held belief that Biden will lose the election. Jill Filipovic urged First Lady Jill Biden to use her influence to persuade the president to step down, while Jay Parini of Middlebury College implored Biden to recognize his age and fragility.

Biden's Debate Performance: Media Calls for Withdrawal Amid Growing Concerns

Mark Leibovich of The Atlantic emphasized the need for Biden to step aside for the sake of his dignity, the party, and the country. Bill Kristol questioned Biden's nomination, arguing that his health and age should be taken into account. David Remnick of The New Yorker warned that Biden's continued candidacy could jeopardize the very issues he champions.

Should Biden remain in the race and win re-election, he would be 86 at the end of his second term. The ongoing debate over his cognitive abilities and the concerns expressed by media figures and Democratic circles cast a shadow over his political future and raise questions about the party's strategy for the upcoming election.

Biden's Debate Performance: Media Calls for Withdrawal Amid Growing Concerns