Oval Office Address: Everyone Knows Biden is Not President
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Key Takeaways
- Only a small number of Democratic apologists still hold the opinion that Biden is actively governing the country or capable of doing so.
- Republicans express outrage over a cabal of unknown entities likely running the country, calling for the 25th Amendment to be enacted.
- Democrats show more sympathy and support for Joe Biden, but also approve of his decision to withdraw—although there are disagreements about the events surrounding these surprising and sudden events.
Our Methodology
Demographics
All Voters
Sample Size
13,500
Geographical Breakdown
National
Time Period
1 Day
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.
Views of Joe Biden in the wake of his withdrawal from the presidential race is complicated with a mix of relief, sympathy, and anger. Most Americans seem to believe Biden's decision to withdraw from the race is due to his declining health and perceived cognitive challenges, though opinions vary widely. Reactions to his Oval Office address, which did not clarify the issue, do not show a change in public opinion.
The Mask is Off About Biden’s Health
Online conversations about Biden mostly revolve around his health, with many people citing dementia, Parkinson’s, and COVID as concerns. These worries are aggravated by perceptions about how the Democratic establishment handled his withdrawal. Many feel Democrats are clearing Biden and other potential challengers out, manipulating the election process.
There is also a strong belief that circumstances just prior to Biden’s withdrawal, and some after, have been orchestrated to mask his condition. References to Biden's cognitive decline are rampant, with strong criticisms directed at Democratic leaders for not allowing his weaknesses to be questioned or observed much earlier.
Discontent About Kamala’s Nomination
The sudden and rapid replacement of Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s heroine and nominee apparent has also shocked many Americans. This reaction is not exclusive to Republicans, different factions within the Democratic Party also express grave concerns.
There is an odd sense of confusion over Democrats and media completely sidelining Biden in favor of Harris, despite his plan to finish his term in office. Voters express a mix of sympathy for Joe Biden as an aging old man and anger at his handlers and family. Others express anger at Biden himself for allowing himself to be put in such a position—however, most ire seems directed at Party leadership.
Kamala Harris is coming under scrutiny for being complicit in covering up Biden’s health. Sentiments about Harris taking over the presidential nomination carry a distinctly negative tone, accusing her of participating in a coup to oust Biden.
Unhelpful Oval Office Address
Biden's recent Oval Office address, meant to clarify his intentions and reassure the public, has only created more confusion and anger. Most observers feel the address offered no substantial answers and failed to address the root concerns about leadership, ideology, and the future direction of the Democratic Party.
The public perceives the address as offensively insufficient, leading to further frustration and a growing sense of distrust. There is a feeling of disrespect toward the American people, particularly concerning the president’s disregard for democratic processes.
Intra-party disagreement and disarray in the Democratic Party adds another layer to the public’s reaction. Even members of the voter base, notably from the Black Lives Matter movement, criticize the DNC for sidelining Biden through dubious means.
Accusations include the refusal to allow genuine appearances and interactions with Joe Biden in public, altering schedules without explanation, and ultimately forcing him out post-primary. Many voters on both sides view Democrat leaders as ushering in a new candidate without proper voter engagement.
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Republicans Call it a Shadow Presidency
Most Republicans believe Biden has clear signs of cognitive decline, often sharing his public gaffes, mental lapses, and shuffling, elderly demeanor as evidence. People frequently use the term "unfit" about his capability to fulfill presidential duties. Many Republicans also argue that, if Biden is unable to campaign for a second term, he’s equally unable to serve the remainder of his term.
Voters on the right often suggest the 25th Amendment should be used against Biden, who they believe is clearly not in control of the county. These Americans express outrage that the White House and Democratic leaders are unwilling to admit Biden is not capable of executing his duties. There is also anger that leadership will not speak transparently about who is running the country.
Republicans suspect Biden is a figurehead, with decisions being made by a communist shadow government or the far-left wing of the Democratic Party. There are suggestions that Biden’s presidency is a continuation of Obama’s policies, calling it "Obama’s third term." People accuse high-profile Democratic figures like Jill Biden and former President Barack Obama of orchestrating Biden’s moves behind the scenes.
Democrats Still Praise Biden
Many Democrats still defend Joe Biden's presidency, believing he is actively fulfilling his role. They focus on his policy achievements such as making gender medical transition more accessible to minors and supporting Black Lives Matter (BLM) advocacy.
While there is recognition of Biden’s age, many Democrats view his experience as an asset, not a liability. Public conversations within the Democratic sphere often revolve around ideological alignment with Biden’s policies, underscoring a belief in progressive values.
Post-debate and following Biden’s withdrawal from the race, more Democrats are acknowledging the poor state of his health and mental capacity. However, they also say criticism of Biden's health is exaggerated and politically motivated.
However, even among Democrats, there is not unanimous support. The factions of Democratic voters who view Joe Biden as incapacitated by illness or old age also tend to be the ones who express anger at Party leadership for undemocratic practices.
Critical terms like “Party elites” and “billionaire donors” illustrate frustration over perceived undemocratic maneuvers within the party. This internal critique indicates a sentiment that progressive ideals are sometimes compromised by the party’s political strategies.
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