President Joe Biden’s mental health stands as a widely discussed issue in the United States after his performance in last month’s presidential debate. The situation may prove stressful for Mr. Biden on one hand and on the other can further divide congressional Democrats over his nomination for the presidential race. The number of those calling him to step aside from the presidential race is also increasing.
The Republicans are taking advantage of the situation. What happens may be decided in a couple of days. The Democratic lawmakers in the House are to hold a highly anticipated meeting today as many senators of his party are grappling with what to do about their probable presidential nominee – Joe Biden.
Biden among some key Democrats:
Senator (Sen) Sherrod Brown of Ohio said, “Voters have genuine questions about all of this – Biden’s health.” Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin is of the same opinion. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire, said she expects an excessive discussion on Tuesday adding her voters have concerns about Biden. Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, a close aide to Biden, reportedly avoided answering about on Biden’s mental insight and ability to do the presidential job. “I was with him this weekend, and I’ve been with him a lot over the years. I know him,” he said.
Six Democrat members of the House have publicly called for Biden to withdraw from the race. They include Lloyd Doggett of Texas, Raúl Grijalva of Arizona, Mike Quigley of Illinois, Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, Angela Craig of Minnesota, and Adam Smith of Washington. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Jerry Nadler, Mark Takano, and Joe Morelle are said to have the same sentiments for Mr. Biden. Adam Smith said, “I think he should step aside. I think it has become clear that he is not the best person to carry the Democratic message.”
Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin said, “People back home have concerns about Biden’s performance.” Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii opined his party needs to talk about the state of the race. Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota said she “has a lot of concerns” about Biden being the best messenger for the Democratic Party.” Michael Moore, who is running for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District calls for Biden to drop out of the race. “I think people came into this season concerned about women’s reproductive freedom, jobs, the economy, the environment and the like. But I think now that this acute focus on the president and his health has taken over, I think people are just afraid,” he said. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois said Biden’s debate performance “raised a lot of questions” about his ability to run the country.
Democratic Rep. Steven Horsford, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, supported Biden following his meeting with him yesterday. “Clearly, this president is fit to serve,” the Nevada Democrat reportedly said. “He has been fighting for the American people. I know more than 14 million Americans have voted for him. We need to honor and respect the will of the voters who have selected him as our Democratic nominee.”
Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona, supported Biden’s campaign, calling former President Donald Trump a “grifter” and saying that “the goal here is to reelect President Biden.” Sen. Mark Warner from Virginia, said Biden needs to make his case “more aggressively.” Warner had planned a meeting to get Senate Democrats on the same page about the future of Biden’s entry, but it was scrapped after it was leaked.
Congressional Progressive Chair Pramila Jayapal said the caucus will meet with Biden later this week, and warned against “jumping too quickly” to push him aside. “I’m still listening to lots of members and constituents and still believe that we need to be really thoughtful about this,” the Washington Democrat said.
Sen. Tom Carper of Delaware supported Biden. Carper said he has “no interest in walking away from him today or tomorrow or the day after that. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Nanette Barragán of California and Deputy Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat of New York stated they stand with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, pointing to key wins secured during the Biden administration that empowered Latino communities.
Republicans’ campaign:
Arizona Republican Senate nominee Kari Lake in digital ad grasped on President Biden’s poor performance in the debate. The ad features several clips of Biden appearing halting and leaving answers unfinished. It includes clips of Vice President Kamala Harris’ interview with CNN moments after the debate. Lake’s opponent in Arizona said “Joe Biden is 100% gone, Ruben Gallego in his message said “Arizonans deserve better.” One of the ads, from a nonprofit organization called America Next, leans into intensifying Biden’s disastrous performance. It says “Joe Biden’s debate was a joke.”
Biden’s mental health:
Biden’s doctor, Dr. Kevin O’Connor said “President Biden has not seen a neurologist outside of his annual physical.” “His findings have been made public each time I have released the results of his annual physical,” he addended. O’Connor stated this the same day the White House struggled to answer questions about Biden’s neurological health. Biden’s latest health report, indicated he had been screened for a number of neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s, with negative results.
Biden’s resolve:
However, President Biden rejected any idea of keeping him out of the presidential race in November this year. He pledges to beat Trump and go on attack at next debate in donor cal. He told top donors Monday he is not exiting the race and that he believes he’s still the best candidate to beat Donald Trump.
“My one job is to beat Trump,” Biden said. In letter to congressional Democrats, he said he will continue his reelection bid despite mounting concerns about his mental fitness and the viability of his campaign. “I want you to know that despite all the speculation in the press and elsewhere, I am firmly committed to stay in this race,” he said.
(Senior journalist Rana Kashif has authored this article)
