As 2023 draws to a close, President Joe Biden faces a multitude of crises, both political and personal. These challenges have sparked doubts within his own party regarding his ability to secure the White House in the upcoming 2024 election.
One notable figure expressing concern is former President Barack Obama.
According to a Wall Street Journal report by Annie Linskey, which cites an anonymous source, Obama is increasingly skeptical about Biden’s chances in the next year’s election.
The source conveyed that Obama believes the Democrats might face a significant risk of losing the election.
Rising Challenges and Political Dynamics
The political landscape is further complicated by the resurgence of former President Donald Trump in polls. With the 2024 general election less than a year away, Trump appears to have an advantage over Biden in seven critical swing states, as indicated by a Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll.
This perceived edge is compounded by concerns over Biden’s handling of issues such as immigration, Israel policy, the economy, and the continuous media attention on his son, Hunter Biden. The same source familiar with Obama’s thoughts described the former president as deeply troubled by these developments.
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2024 predicted to be a tight race
Obama reportedly acknowledges the tight nature of the upcoming race. “He knows this is going to be a close race,” the source told the WSJ, and “feels that Democrats very well could lose.”
The concern is not just about losing the election but also about the implications of the alternative for democracy. “The alternative is pretty dangerous for democracy,” the anonymous person remarked, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Internal Party Debates and Suggestions for Change
This sentiment of uncertainty is echoed within the Democratic Party, with some members suggesting that Biden should consider stepping aside in favor of a younger candidate.
Such a move, they argue, might increase the party’s chances against Trump. David Axelrod, a senior adviser to former President Obama, recently commented on this issue in the wake of a New York Times and Siena College poll.
Writing on a social media platform, Axelrod noted, “It’s very late to change horses; a lot will happen in the next year that no one can predict & Biden’s team says his resolve to run is firm.”
He recognized Biden’s pride in his achievements but also acknowledged that the poll numbers could induce significant concern within the party.
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Public Voices and Calls for Change
Prominent figures outside the party’s formal structure have also voiced their concerns. Bill Maher, for example, has publicly urged Biden not to seek reelection, fearing that it could result in a victory for Trump.
He expressed this opinion more than a year ago and reiterated it last month, emphasizing the potential repercussions for the party and the country. Similarly, Bill Kristol, a staunch critic of Trump, has also suggested that Biden, who is now 81, should consider stepping down.
Biden facing external challenges and internal doubts
In summary, as the 2024 election approaches, President Biden faces not only external political challenges but also internal doubts and debates within his own party.
With key figures like Barack Obama and others expressing concerns, the Democratic Party finds itself at a critical juncture, contemplating its strategy and leadership as it prepares to contest the upcoming presidential election.
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