Are Democratic Leaders Going for Biden’s Jugular?
July 19, 2024Key Takeaways
- As panic continues within Democratic ranks, more Party leaders are publicly pushing for Joe Biden to step down, causing mixed reactions from the base.
- Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, and Adam Schiff have been generating discussion, with Schiff getting significant backlash for his sudden pivot, which looks cynical.
- Democratic voters are torn by the disarray within the party, fearing Donald Trump might retake the Presidency, and lacking confidence in Joe Biden.
Our Methodology
Demographics
Democrats
Sample Size
8,000
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
7 Days
MIG Reports leverages EyesOver technology, employing Advanced AI for precise analysis. This ensures unparalleled precision, setting a new standard. Find out more about the unique data pull for this article.
In recent days, discussions among Democratic leaders regarding President Joe Biden stepping down from the 2024 election have stirred significant controversy. Chuck Schumer, Adam Schiff, Kamala Harris, and Hakeem Jeffries appear to be at the center of these conversations. There are also allegations that former president Barrack Obama and Senator Bernie Sanders have called for Biden to step aside.
Speculation about leadership's motives, along with intrigue around the Democratic strategy, is surging, even with much high-profile news happening within the GOP.
Ongoing reporting claims sources indicate Democratic leaders are conducting private talks with Biden, urging him to reconsider his candidacy. They cite his waning ability to win the presidential race and his very publicly declining health. Reports from multiple news outlets suggest these leaders are positioning themselves for a possible leadership transition by delaying the Democratic Party's formal nomination of Biden.
The Current Political Environment
Earth-shattering events in recent weeks like Joe Biden’s debate debacle and an attempt on Donald Trump’s life seem to have sent Democratic political strategies into a tailspin. If the Democrats face an uphill battle in the polls, any pivot on Biden's health will likely significantly hurt his chances of a victory in November. This could push swing voters and even some disenchanted Democrats toward Republicans.
Amid increasing beliefs that Democrats cannot win, their sudden revelations about President Biden’s health only reinforces perceptions of desperation. This is likely to depress voter turnout among their base even further, pushing undecided voters away.
Media portrayal of Biden's health also plays a crucial role in shaping voter perception. Many right leaning outlets have been pointing out the hypocrisy of mainstream media in demonizing anyone who questioned Biden’s health prior to the debate. This is especially egregious as voters observe their instant pivot after the debate.
Voters are increasingly critical of Democrats’ handling of Biden's health. For a long time, the party and the media have downplayed or outright denied any concerns regarding Biden's age and mental acuity. Many voters view this as blatant gaslighting, exacerbating the sense of distrust.
When prominent figures suddenly acknowledge Biden's health issues, many view it as a political maneuver rather than a genuine concern for transparency, further eroding Democratic credibility.
Chuck Schumer Jumps Ship
Senator Chuck Schumer’s involvement in calling for Biden to withdraw adds to the Democratic confusion, given his influential position within the Party. Reactions are mixed, oscillating between support, skepticism, and outright shock. There are voices questioning the timing and motivation behind his alleged meeting asking Biden to step down. Many say Democrats are in pure panic mode.
Social media reactions are particularly telling. Various platforms are flooded with discussions attempting to deconstruct Schumer's motivations and the broader implications for the Democratic Party. Supporters of the decision commend Schumer's bravery, suggesting it signals a period of self-reflection and recalibration within the party. Critics, however, view it as cynical. Others criticize internal conflicts during a crucial election cycle.
- Discussions mentioning Chuck Schumer increased in the last two days as his approval dropped slightly from 48% to 47%.
Adam Schiff Flip Flops
Adam Schiff's previous criticism Robert Hur’s assessment of Joe Biden’s health have sparked a considerable backlash. Now, just a few months later, Schiff is calling for Biden to step down due to infirmity.
Voters have not minced words in their responses, voicing strong support for Biden and criticizing Schiff for what they see as unnecessary and harmful dissent. They perceive Schiff's actions as undermining the unity needed in the Democratic Party to win the upcoming election. Some even call for Schiff to withdraw from the Senate race.
Sentiment among these voters is one of frustration and anger. They accuse Schiff of attempting to invalidate the voices of the 14 million people who voted for Biden. They say his actions are damaging to the Party's 2024 strategy.
Voters are particularly incensed with what they perceive as Schiff's hypocrisy. They say Schiff supported Biden in the past and criticized anyone who questioned his health, only to now use his cognitive abilities as a reason to oust the President.
Many find this sudden change not only disingenuous but also deeply cynical. The sentiment is clear: any attack on Biden at this critical juncture is seen as sabotage, possibly paving the way for a Trump victory.
- Adam Schiff has seen disastrously low approval in the last week, dipping as low as 30%.
- As more people mention him online, sentiment may be restabilizing, but it’s unclear whether most Democratic voters support replacing Joe Biden.
Nancy Pelosi Tears Biden a New One
Nancy Pelosi also seemed to suddenly turn on Joe Biden following his catastrophic debate performance. Pelosi, who is known for her high-level political strategy and maneuvering, spoke out more subtly against Biden at first. But now reports are leaking that Pelosi is openly opposing Joe Biden after years of steadfast defense.
Some Democratic voters express staunch disapproval, arguing Pelosi's actions undermine voter confidence and betray the will of the people. They view this move as a signal of discord within the Democratic Party, potentially handing an advantage to the Republicans.
On the other hand, a smaller number support Pelosi’s stance, advocating for a change in leadership as a strategic move to invigorate the base and improve Democratic chances against a resurgent GOP. They argue Biden’s age and current political standing necessitate a new candidate who can better unify the party and appeal to a broader base.
- At the end of last week, as rumors about Biden stepping down were swirling at their height, Pelosi’s approval dipped to 37%.
- As more Democratic leaders join in calling for Biden to step down, negativity seems to move to other prominent figures.
Voter reactions
Democratic voters are likely to have varied reactions to this abrupt development within the Party. Many of President Biden’s supporters see this strife as a betrayal by key figures within the party. There's a palpable sense of distrust and concern that such an internal coup reflects poorly on the Party's unity and strategic planning.
The immediate and intense debate on social media highlights the factional divides. Some fear sidelining Biden at this juncture could lead to a guaranteed loss.
Meanwhile, those who are frustrated with Biden's age and perceived political liabilities might welcome the calls for new leadership. This faction views a potential change as a strategic necessity to invigorate the party with fresh perspectives and renewed energy.
Overall, Democratic voters are caught in a whirlwind of emotions ranging from anger and betrayal to despair and depression. The discussions over Biden’s candidacy expose deep concerns within the party about its ability to present a unified front in the upcoming elections.
The extent of Democratic disillusionment has led some to consider re-registering as Independents or leaving the Party altogether. They see leadership hypocrisy and maneuvering as a betrayal of democratic principles. Some also interpret these developments as driven by wealthy donors rather than the electorate's genuine interests. This shift could signal a broader discontent that may bode poorly for November.