President Joe Biden publicly stating he plans to stay in the presidential race has caused viral discussion online and among Democrats. There are passionate debates on both sides, but especially within Biden’s own constituencies. MIG Reports data shows a split among those who hope Biden stays in to beat Trump at any cost, and those who vehemently insist he step down.

Biden's Increasing Health Concerns

Biden's mental and physical health have nearly overshadowed all political conversations in recent days. Critics often raise concerns about his age and clear cognitive decline, with many pushing for him to step down.

More Democrats are now saying a younger candidate like Kamala Harris or others should take the helm. Some Democrat leaders, including Nancy Pelosi, also insist that time is growing short for Biden to make a decision.

Voters across the political spectrum discuss the possibility of Biden suffering from dementia, Parkinson's, and other health issues. This focus on the President’s increasing feeble appearance causes many to question his ability to handle the pressures of the presidency.

Democrats are now split on whether Biden can withstand another rigorous campaign. His supporters often dismiss these concerns as baseless attacks meant to undermine Biden’s credibility. They argue he is capable of fulfilling his duties and the media is making unjustified claims.

Other Democrats say, even if Biden does not have the capacity to continue as the sitting president, they are not bothered. A viral clip of Whoopie Goldberg promoting a similar idea went viral, drawing criticism from Republicans and some Democrats.

Whoopi: "I don't care if [Biden] pooped his pants. I don't care if he can't put a sentence together. Show me he can't do the job, and then I'll say, okay, maybe it's time to go...I have poopy day all the time. All the time." pic.twitter.com/QlMHzH8LF9

— Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) July 8, 2024

Any Blue Won’t Do

A salient point in the conversation is the perception of party loyalty and internal disarray among Democrats. The idea that influential Democrats and former supporters are now withdrawing their support for Biden is gaining traction.

Notable figures and entities, such as a Disney heiress and a growing number of mainstream media outlets, are shifting their allegiance or calling for Biden to step aside. Recent news that fervent Obama supporter George Clooney is calling for Biden to step down displays the significant fracture among Democrats.

George Clooney urges Joe Biden to step down as the 2024 Democratic nominee for president in a new op-ed:

“We are not going to win in November with this president. On top of that, we won’t win the House, and we’re going to lose the Senate. This isn’t only my opinion; this is the… pic.twitter.com/EArMreTtMk

— Variety (@Variety) July 10, 2024

This swell of infighting among Democrats gives critics space to argue that a party in disarray will weaken their chances in the upcoming election. Many are also questioning whether VP Harris could carry the ticket, should Biden step down. 

Trending Sentiment

Sentiment toward Biden is polarized. There’s a mixture of die-hard support and vehement opposition. Supporters champion his achievements and leadership, expressing frustration towards those within the party who are contemplating a replacement. They argue Biden represents stability and a return to normalcy compared to the chaotic tenure of his predecessor.

Opponents paint a grim picture of Biden’s presidency, attributing various national issues to his leadership and suggesting that his running for re-election would be detrimental to the country. They evoke strong imagery of moral and political decay, centering on personal attacks against Biden and his family.

For undecided voters, the ongoing discussions introduce an element of uncertainty. They are weighing the implications of Biden continuing his presidency against emerging critiques and alternative possibilities. The growing divide may influence undecided voter perceptions of party stability.

Independents, often swayed by pragmatic considerations and a broader perspective beyond strict party lines, are closely observing these developments. The Democratic Party's ability to maintain coherence and present a strong, unified case for Biden’s continuance remains a key factor for these voters. Visible rifts and intra-party dissent may deter their support, emphasizing the importance of how Democrats manage these narratives moving forward.

Conversations among those aligned with the Uncommitted Movement—a pro-Palestinian movement critical of Biden’s Israel policy—have added another layer of complexity to the debate. While not all primary-held states have an “Uncommitted” option for Democrats, notable results included:

• Michigan: 13.3% Uncommitted
• Minnesota: 19% Uncommitted
• New Jersey: Approximately 9% Uncommitted
• New Mexico: Approximately 10% Uncommitted

Online discussions suggest this movement is likely to continue through August and the Democratic National Convention. However, if Biden stays in the race, he will likely receive the official nomination via Zoom, without attending in person.