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Let’s be straightforward: The Democratic Party and its media supporters are experiencing what may be the most challenging week we’ve seen in our lifetime. Panic is at a DefCon 1 level across the party as Democrats come to terms with the reality that if the presidential election were held today, Donald Trump would win decisively.
On Thursday night in Atlanta, we saw President Biden, often appearing confused and incoherent, mishandle a crucial moment in the campaign season. Concerns about Biden’s age and mental sharpness have already been his biggest obstacle. After Thursday, even the staunchest Democrats are questioning if he should remain president for another term, or even for another minute.
By Friday morning, top columnists at The New York Times, along with its editorial board, were urging Biden to step down. This is noteworthy since the Times hasn’t backed a Republican presidential candidate since Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, even endorsing significant Democratic losses like Walter Mondale, Michael Dukakis, and John Kerry.
The dread was evident on CNN and MSNBC too. Right after the debate, CNN’s Van Jones called for Biden to withdraw, and MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough, who frequently speaks with the president, wondered aloud if any major corporation would consider Biden for a CEO position. This came just weeks after Scarborough praised Biden’s sharpness compared to GOP members he has known over the past 30 years.
Despite the overwhelming criticism, the Bidens aren’t conceding. Cedric Richmond, co-chair of Biden’s campaign, pointed out that Biden had previously overcome the Times’ lack of endorsement in the 2020 Democratic primaries when it endorsed Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar instead. Richmond was clearly frustrated, defending Biden by recalling how he had succeeded despite the Times’ support for other candidates.
Politico’s global editor-in-chief, John Harris, noted the striking nature of the criticism from pundits and editorials, but also observed that the influence of these commentators is not as powerful as it once was. This reflects the media’s waning credibility, particularly as they have downplayed or denied Biden’s cognitive decline, even dismissing clear signs as manipulated or “cheap fakes.”
At Camp David over the weekend, the Biden family was reportedly upset—not with Biden, but with his debate preparation team. They seemed to blame the team’s efforts rather than Biden’s own performance during the debate, which was witnessed by over 50 million viewers.
Looking forward, it’s uncertain how the media and publications like The New York Times will proceed. Will they continue to push for Biden’s withdrawal and promote alternative candidates like Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, Michelle Obama, or Hillary Clinton? How will Kamala Harris react if she is overlooked for the nomination, and what will be the response from Black Democratic voters? Could they support someone more progressive, like Cornell West? Or will the media move on as if the recent panic never happened, leaving Biden to lead the ticket?
To cap off a tough week for the Democrats, the Supreme Court ruled on Monday that Donald Trump had “absolute immunity” as president for official acts. This significantly impacts the potential trial of Jack Smith’s election-interference case against Trump, making it unlikely to be resolved before Election Day.
As the 2024 election approaches, Biden and the Democrats face a dire situation. Trump is ahead in every swing state and is even competitive in traditionally blue states like New Jersey, Minnesota, Virginia, New Hampshire, and New Mexico, none of which have supported a Republican in over two decades. With all that has happened recently, Trump is poised for a significant victory in November. The pressing question remains: Does Biden have a comeback left in him, especially given his current struggles and record?
