In a recent poll conducted by The Washington Post-ABC News, it has been revealed that a majority of Americans have concerns about President Joe Biden’s mental and physical fitness to serve a second term. The survey findings shed light on the perceptions of the public regarding the president’s capabilities, with significant implications for the upcoming election.
According to the poll, a staggering 63% of voters doubt President Biden’s “mental sharpness” to effectively fulfill his duties as president. In contrast, only 32% believe that he possesses the necessary mental acuity, while 5% remained undecided. Interestingly, even among Democrats, 21% expressed doubts about the president’s mental sharpness, highlighting a significant concern within his own party.
Similarly, 62% of voters questioned whether President Biden is in good enough physical health to serve as president. This sentiment is reinforced by his status as the oldest president in U.S. history, having taken office at the age of 78. If re-elected and completing a full second term, he would be 86 by the time he leaves office. These numbers reflect the unease surrounding his age and its potential impact on his ability to govern effectively.
Notably, even some elected Democrats have expressed reservations about President Biden’s age and called for new leadership within the party. Michigan Democratic Representative Elissa Slotkin advocated for a “new generation” of leaders while acknowledging her support for the president if he decides to run again. This sentiment suggests that concerns about Biden’s age extend beyond party lines.
In response to the poll results, President Biden defended his age during a press conference with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. He emphasized that his age does not register with him and expressed confidence in his capabilities and excitement for the prospects of another term. However, the numbers from the poll indicate a decline in his job approval rating, reaching a low of 36%, with 56% disapproving.
The survey also reveals potential challenges for the Democratic Party. A significant portion of Democratic-leaning adults (58%) believe that someone other than President Biden should be nominated in the next election. Even among Democrats, there is an equal divide between those who want Biden to be nominated again and those who prefer an alternative candidate. Notably, among independents who lean Democratic, an overwhelming 77% prefer an alternative to Biden.
The poll also sheds light on the hypothetical matchups between President Biden and notable Republican figures. In a face-off between Biden and former President Donald Trump, 44% of Americans would “definitely” or “probably” vote for Trump, while only 38% would vote for Biden. Similarly, if Florida Governor Ron DeSantis were to challenge Biden, 42% would support DeSantis, compared to 37% for Biden.
These survey results indicate a growing skepticism among Americans regarding President Biden’s fitness for a second term. The concerns surrounding his mental and physical health, coupled with declining job approval ratings, pose significant challenges for his re-election prospects. As the 2024 election approaches, it remains to be seen how these perceptions will shape the political landscape and the Democratic Party’s nomination process.
