Biden's Debate Performance Sparks Calls for Withdrawal from 2024 Race

CNN's Kasie Hunt confronts Biden campaign co-chair Mitch Landrieu about pressure for the president to step down, as media figures express shock at Biden's "total disaster" debate performance.

In a heated exchange on Friday, CNN's Kasie Hunt pressed Biden campaign co-chair Mitch Landrieu on whether President Biden would consider withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race following his lackluster debate performance against former President Donald Trump.

Hunt confronted Landrieu after a chorus of media figures, including New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, called on Biden to step down due to his perceived cognitive decline. "Sir, do you think Democrats should consider replacing Joe Biden at the top of the presidential ticket?" Hunt asked.

Biden's Debate Performance Sparks Calls for Withdrawal from 2024 Race

Landrieu responded dismissively, stating that the conversation about Biden's potential withdrawal has been ongoing for years and is unlikely to materialize. He defended Biden's performance, arguing that while he may have lost on style, he won on facts and decency.

Hunt further pressed Landrieu on whether Democrats felt misled by Biden's inner circle regarding his ability to serve as president. Landrieu denied any deception, asserting that there has been no significant change in Biden's cognitive abilities.

Biden's Debate Performance Sparks Calls for Withdrawal from 2024 Race

Landrieu acknowledged that Biden's debate performance was not his strongest, but attributed it to a slow start. He emphasized that the president will remain the Democratic nominee despite the criticism.

A CNN flash poll conducted after the debate revealed that 67% of viewers felt that Trump won, while only 33% believed Biden won. This marked a significant shift from the 2020 debate, where 53% of viewers saw Biden as the victor.

Biden's Debate Performance Sparks Calls for Withdrawal from 2024 Race

The Biden campaign declined to comment on the calls for the president's withdrawal.

The debate has sparked a media meltdown, with calls for Biden to withdraw from the race intensifying. The CNN poll showed that a majority of debate watchers believe Trump outperformed Biden, raising concerns about the president's ability to effectively lead the country for another four years.

Landrieu's defense of Biden's performance and his assertion that he will remain the nominee are unlikely to quell the growing chorus of criticism from both within the Democratic Party and the media. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the pressure on Biden to demonstrate his physical and cognitive fitness will only intensify.

The debate has exposed the deep divisions within the Democratic Party, with some expressing support for Biden and others calling for a change in leadership. The president's performance has cast a shadow over the party's prospects in the upcoming election and has raised questions about Biden's ability to unite the Democratic base.

As the debate continues to dominate the news cycle, it remains to be seen how Biden will respond to the criticism and whether he will take steps to address the concerns raised about his fitness for office.