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.