Some top Democrats tell CNN they want Biden out of the race this week

Summary

In the wake of President Biden's poor debate performance, Democratic leaders and donors are reportedly urging him to step aside for the party's benefit, fearing his declining health could lead to a loss against Trump. The New York Times reports noticeable lapses in Biden's cognitive function, with European officials expressing concern. While Biden's family and close advisors remain supportive, party insiders suggest an alternative candidate may be considered to secure victory in the upcoming election.

Takeaways

• 🗓️ Biden is scheduled to meet with several Democratic governors to address their concerns following a recent debate.
• 📰 The New York Times reports that Biden's cognitive lapses are becoming more frequent, as noted by some attendees of the debate.
• 🔍 Concerns are growing within the Democratic Party, with top leaders and donors suggesting Biden should consider stepping aside for the party's and country's benefit.
• 🌐 Biden attributed his poor debate performance to fatigue from his overseas travel schedule, which was criticized by a senior European official for its impact on his physical state.
• 🤔 There is speculation that Biden's cognitive issues may be more than just travel-related, with increasing frequency of moments where he appears lost or disoriented.
• 🏛️ Former special assistant Michael LaRosa suggests that anonymous sources alone won't be enough to convince Biden's family for him to step aside.
• 🗣️ Public figures like Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer would need to voice their concerns directly for any significant change to occur.
• 👥 The decision for Biden to step aside would likely involve a consensus from his close circle, including his wife, sister, and political advisors.
• 🚫 Biden's wife is unlikely to be the one to suggest he end his political aspirations, as they have supported each other's ambitions throughout their marriage.
• 🤝 There is no clear alternative to Biden within the Democratic Party, with some suggesting Vice President Harris might have an edge, while others propose an open primary.
• 📝 The White House has been cautious about discussing Biden's cognitive health, but recent events have forced them to address the issue publicly.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the provided transcript?

The main topic is the concern about President Biden's cognitive decline and the calls from some Democratic leaders for him to step aside due to his recent poor performance in a debate and increasing lapses.

What was the reason given by President Biden for his poor debate performance?

President Biden attributed his poor performance to fatigue from his overseas travel schedule.

According to the New York Times report, what has been the reaction of European officials to President Biden's physical state?

The European officials have noticed a decline in President Biden's physical state and were shocked by his apparent disengagement during conversations.

What does the term 'the dam is breaking' imply in the context of this transcript?

It implies that there is a growing sentiment among top Democratic Party leaders and donors for President Biden to step aside, indicating a potential shift in support.

What is the view from the White House regarding the calls for President Biden to step aside?

The view from the White House is that it will take more than anonymous sources to convince President Biden and his family to step aside, suggesting a strong resistance to these calls.

Who are some of the individuals mentioned as part of President Biden's close circle of advisers?

President Biden's close circle includes the First Lady, his sister Valerie, Margaret, the ambassador to the European Union, Mike Donlin, and Ted Kaufman.

What is the role of the First Lady in advising President Biden on political matters?

The First Lady, while being his spouse, is not his primary political adviser. She is one of several who discuss matters with him, but she would not be the one to tell him to end his aspirations.

What are some of the concerns raised by the journalists and sources in the transcript about President Biden's cognitive health?

The concerns include the increasing frequency, prominence, and worry of President Biden's cognitive lapses, which some believe may be more than just the result of his travel fatigue.

What is the potential plan mentioned by some party leaders regarding the Democratic nomination if President Biden steps aside?

Some party leaders are considering the idea of opening up the nomination to all contenders, possibly having a series of debates and leaving the final decision to the convention, with the primary concern being who can beat Donald Trump.

What has been the White House's response to the concerns about President Biden's cognitive health?

The White House has been reluctant to engage in discussions about President Biden's cognitive health, and it has been a forbidden topic. However, they have released a statement from his doctors ruling out certain conditions like Parkinson's.

What is the strategy suggested by David Sanger for the White House to address the concerns about President Biden's performance?

David Sanger suggests that the White House should get President Biden out in various forums and interviews to demonstrate that his poor debate performance was a one-off event, although this carries the risk if he has another bad day.

Outlines

00:00

😔 Concerns Over Biden's Cognitive Decline

The first paragraph discusses President Biden's upcoming meeting with Democratic governors, prompted by their concerns following Biden's poor debate performance, which he attributed to fatigue from overseas travel. The New York Times reports that Biden's cognitive lapses are becoming more frequent, with some European officials noting a decline in his physical state. Top Democratic Party leaders and donors are reportedly urging Biden to step aside for the good of the party and the country, fearing he would lose to Donald Trump. The paragraph also includes commentary from David Sanger, who co-authored the Times piece, and Michael LaRosa, a former special assistant to Biden, who suggests that the Biden family is unlikely to be swayed by anonymous sources and that public figures like Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer would need to intervene for any significant change.

05:01

🤔 Speculation on Biden's Successor and Party Strategy

The second paragraph delves into the Biden family's support for the president's political aspirations and their history of mutual support throughout their marriage. It raises questions about who could be an alternative to President Biden, with some sources suggesting Vice President Harris might have an edge, while others propose a broader primary process with debates leading up to the convention. The main concern for party leaders is identifying a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump. The paragraph also touches on Biden's age-related cognitive issues, as reported by people present during his recent interactions, and the White House's reluctance to address these concerns publicly. David Sanger notes that the White House has started to provide medical reassurances, ruling out conditions like Parkinson's disease, and suggests that Biden will need to appear in various public forums to demonstrate that his debate performance was an anomaly.

Keywords

💡Democratic governors

Democratic governors are political leaders from the Democratic Party who govern states in the United States. In the script, it is mentioned that Biden will meet with several Democratic governors to discuss their concerns, indicating a significant political event where state-level leadership is engaging with the federal administration on important issues.

💡Debate

A debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic, often involving opposing viewpoints. In this context, the debate seems to have been a critical event where Biden's performance was subpar, leading to concerns about his capabilities and the subsequent discussion about his political future.

💡Fatigue

Fatigue refers to a state of feeling tired, weary, or exhausted, both physically and mentally. The script mentions Biden blaming his poor debate performance on fatigue from overseas travel, suggesting that his energy levels and ability to perform were compromised.

💡The New York Times

The New York Times is a widely respected daily newspaper with a significant influence on public opinion. In the transcript, it is cited as the source of a report on Biden's declining physical state and the concerns it raises about his ability to lead effectively.

💡Lapses

Lapses refer to temporary failures in memory or attention. The script indicates that Biden's lapses are becoming more frequent and noticeable, which is causing worry among those close to him and raising questions about his suitability for office.

💡European officials

European officials are representatives of European countries or institutions. The script cites a senior European official who noticed a decline in Biden's physical state, suggesting that his health and cognitive abilities are a concern even on the international stage.

💡Step aside

To 'step aside' in a political context means to relinquish one's position or withdraw from a race or contest. The transcript discusses top Democratic Party leaders and donors suggesting that Biden should step aside for the good of the party and the country, indicating a significant internal challenge to his leadership.

💡Disastrous debate performance

A 'disastrous debate performance' implies a very poor showing in a debate, which can significantly impact public perception and political standing. The script mentions this as a turning point that led to calls for Biden to consider stepping down.

💡Vice President Harris

Vice President Harris refers to Kamala Harris, the current Vice President of the United States. The script suggests that some party leaders are considering her as a potential alternative to Biden, highlighting the political dynamics within the Democratic Party.

💡White House

The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States. In the script, it is mentioned as the source of the administration's response to concerns about Biden's health and performance, as well as the place where internal discussions about his political future may occur.

💡Political advisers

Political advisers are individuals who offer counsel and guidance on political matters to elected officials. The script mentions the first lady and other family members as political advisers to Biden, suggesting that family dynamics play a role in political decision-making.

💡Speed dating pool primary

A 'speed dating pool primary' is a metaphorical term used in the script to describe a hypothetical short and intensive period of political campaigning and debating among potential candidates, aiming to quickly determine the most viable contender. It reflects the urgency and the unconventional approach some party leaders are considering in the context of finding a candidate who can beat Donald Trump.

Highlights

Biden will meet with Democratic governors to discuss their concerns after a poor debate performance.

Some Democratic leaders and major donors want Biden to step aside for the good of the party and the country.

Biden's debate performance was seen as a disaster by many, raising concerns about his mental state.

European officials noticed a decline in Biden's physical state and were shocked by his behavior during meetings.

Biden's lapses in memory and focus are becoming more frequent and worrisome to those around him.

The White House has been dismissive of concerns about Biden's mental state, calling it a one-off event.

Biden's family is reportedly urging him to stay in the race despite growing concerns.

Some party leaders are considering opening up the nomination to all contenders, not just Vice President Harris.

The primary concern for Democratic leaders is finding a candidate who can beat Donald Trump in the election.

Biden's age and instances of forgetfulness have been a concern, but his doctors have ruled out serious conditions like Parkinson's.

The White House may need to have Biden participate in more public forums and interviews to demonstrate his mental acuity.

There is a debate within the Democratic Party about whether Biden's poor debate performance was due to fatigue or deeper issues.

Biden's travel schedule has been grueling, with multiple long flights across time zones, which may have contributed to his fatigue.

Some Democratic leaders believe Biden's family will not be swayed by anonymous sources and will need public pressure to consider stepping aside.

The decision for Biden to step aside would ultimately come down to a consensus among his close family and advisors.

There is no clear alternative to Biden as the Democratic nominee at this time, with some suggesting a short primary process to determine the best candidate.

Transcripts

Biden will meet with a number

of Democratic governors tomorrow.

According to multiple sources,

they sought the meeting

to discuss their concerns

in the wake of the debate,

which he blamed tonight on fatigue

from overseas travel,

according to a new report

in The New York Times.

This wasn't a one off.

The headline in The Times.

Biden's lapses are increasingly common,

according to some of those in the room.

Joining us now is David Sanger,

who shares a byline on The New York Times

piece.

Also, CNN Jamie Gangel with her own

new reporting.

Joining us as well is Michael

LaRosa, former special assistant

to President Biden and Press secretary

to the first lady.

So, Jamie, you heard Congressman Doggett

call on the president to step aside.

What are you hearing from

your Democratic sources

about where others in the party stand?

Anderson, I think it's fair to say

the dam is breaking.

Top Democratic Party

leaders, this includes

former and president

present administration officials,

as well as major party

donors, are now saying out loud

what we've been hearing

privately for days, that after

what was a disastrous debate performance,

they want President Biden to step aside

for the good of the party

and the country.

They do not think this was a

one off event or just a bad night

and they think the stakes are too high

and that, frankly,

he would lose to Donald Trump.

David, we mentioned that tonight

President Biden

blamed a poor performance

in the debate on his busy

travel schedule

in the weeks leading up to it.

You write about that in the Times, quote,

A senior European official

who was president

said that there had been a noticeable

decline in Mr.

Biden's physical state

since the previous fall

and that Europeans had been,

quote, shocked by what they saw.

The president at times

appeared out of it.

The official said

it was difficult

to engage in the

conversation while he was walking,

end quote.

To be clear,

they were saying it was more

than someone who was simply tired.

What else have you heard from

people that are in your article?

Also, a mixed picture, Anderson,

And what we set out to do with

just about the whole times

White House team and and other reporters

that we have around

Europe is reconstruct

these last three weeks

and try to answer just that question,

which is,

could this

just be from the fact that they had him

by the president's own

description tonight, very unwisely,

flying across the Atlantic twice

and then the last time from Italy

to Los Angeles for a fundraiser

and back to Washington.

So he crossed a lot of time zones.

He was certainly tired.

Staff members

who were younger than he was were

far younger than he is,

were certainly complaining about it.

But there may be something

deeper going on here

because what

the White House calls

it, a one off event.

In talking to staff members, others

who have been dealing with the president.

It's clear

that there has been

an increasing

frequency of these moments

where he is either

frozen

or lost the thread of his conversation.

And that's made a lot of people worry

and make them wonder

that whether or not

it was more than just the travel

that the travel may have made it worse,

but may not be the underlying cause.

Michael,

you know, the what we've been with

all the reporting is

that his family is telling him to

to stay in.

What do you think

their thought process is on this?

What do you have?

What would be the view

from the White House?

So you have two very respected,

very credible journalists,

and I don't doubt

a single reporting in their pieces.

I would just say it's

going to take a lot more than

blind sources to push this family out.

They're just not going to bend to

he's not going to step aside

because of blind sources

and reminds me of Ed Rendell

when he used to say

a nation of wusses

is almost like a party of wusses.

If they think that

if they want the leader of the party

to step aside,

there's probably, you know,

a lot of valid

validity, validity to what

they're saying to their concerns.

However, they have to be public about it,

like it's

going to take Nancy

Pelosi and Chuck Schumer to really be

the ones like Hugh Scott

and Barry

Goldwater and John Rhodes

did in 1974 to go down and say

there is no support for you, Mr.

President. I don't see that happening.

This is not a dam

breaking because there is one congressman

from Texas.

And all respect to Congressman Doggett.

There is one congressman

who called for Bill Clinton to resign.

In the end,

this decision would boil down to

the first lady and the president.

No, no, the first lady,

while she

is his spouse, she

is not his political adviser.

She is now she is one of several.

Valerie, his sister,

Margaret, and Steven,

the ambassador to European Union.

Mike Donlin.

Ted Kaufman.

Yes, they will.

They will discuss

this kind of thing together.

And it's usually the way

Biden world works is like there's

a committee, consensus by committee,

and then they will go to him.

But she would never be

the one to say, Joe,

I want you to end your aspirations.

She doesn't.

They have not done that for each other

throughout their 47 year marriage.

She supported his three campaigns

for president.

He supported her getting three

advanced degrees, teaching

as first lady, teaching a second lady.

They just have never lived

in each other's shadows like that.

Jamie, is it clear to you,

I mean,

who the alternative

to President Biden would be?

Is Congressman Clyburn saying, you know,

you can't pass over Vice President Harris

and, you know that

she would be the person.

Right.

And she is rejected

calls for President Biden to step aside,

which would be very inappropriate

as far as his vice president.

Look, some of our sources

think that Vice President

Harris would have an edge.

But other party leaders

we talked to are already

floating the idea

of opening it up to all contenders,

having,

let's call it

a five week speed dating pool

primary, maybe having debates between now

and the convention

and then leaving it up to the convention.

Their number one concern.

Who can beat Donald Trump, Anderson.

David, you also write

in The Times, quote,

Like many people his age, Mr.

Biden, 81, has long experienced instances

in which he mangled the sentence

for got a name or mixed up a few facts,

even though he could be sharp

and engagement was the time.

But in interviews,

people in the room with him

more recently said the lapses

seemed to be growing more frequent,

more pronounced and more worrisome.

Have those people raise concerns

internally in the White House?

It's not clear to me if they have.

And it's been sort of a forbidden topic

in the White House.

And you'll remember how sharply

the White House responded

and the president did

when the special counsel her

turned out a report

in which they referred to the president

as sounding like a sort of elderly

and forgetful man.

And they they really came down on that.

I think part of what's going on here

now is that these questions

have been whispered about for some time.

The White House has not wanted

to engage in it.

Then came the debate

and what was happening

was evident for everybody to see.

And now they've got to come up with

an explanation.

I did note that for the first time

that I can recall in recent times

his down to the White House

print out the statement saying

his doctors have ruled out

some of the things,

including Parkinson's and so forth.

It is not under

any kind of treatment for that.

That was all reassuring news.

I suspect

what's going to have to happen,

Anderson, is

that they're going to have

to get the president out

in many different forums,

interviews, public forums and so forth

if they're going to really demonstrate

that this was a one off event

and maybe they will do that,

it's a little bit high risk

if he has a bad day again the way he did

on Thursday night.

But I don't

see another way that they could

they could get at this.

David Sanger,

Jamie Gangel, Michael

LaRosa, thank you very much.