More and more Americans are concerned that President Joe Biden no longer has the cognitive abilities necessary to serve as president.
It comes after Biden’s car crash at the CNN debate in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday against former President Donald Trump.
The number of registered voters who believe Biden, 81, is unfit for the title of commander in chief grew seven percent from earlier this month.
Before the debate, in a June 9 poll, 65 percent said Biden does not have the mental fitness to serve another four years, but after the debate, that number rose to 72 percent. according to CBS News/YouGov poll.
And nearly half (46 percent) of Biden’s own party do not believe he should run for president in 2024.
CBS News polls show that from early June until after the debate, voters have a growing view that President Joe Biden does not have the cognitive health to serve another term in the White House.
Even as Democratic Party insiders, donors and strategists say it may be time for Biden to step aside, alternative options appear to be lacking and many lawmakers are unwilling to switch candidates so late in the game.
Nearly three-quarters of voters across parties said Biden should not run for president, and most said it was because of his age.
A whopping 86 percent said Biden’s age is the reason they don’t want Biden to continue running for re-election, while the second biggest reason was 71 percent who are worried about decisions he might make in a second term.
Sixty-six percent say they are concerned about his record in his first term and
Most voters cite inflation and the economy as their top concerns heading into November, with many rating Biden weak in those areas and saying they were better off economically under Trump.
Another important issue is the southern border crisis, which has escalated under Biden’s presidency.
Doubts mounted from before the debate to after the debate about Biden’s mental acuity and cognitive health.
Biden stumbled through the debate with Trump on Thursday, often speaking in a low voice, mumbling or losing his train of thought. When Trump was speaking, the split screen showed the president with his mouth half open and his gaze far away.
The result sparked a chorus of calls for Biden to end his candidacy, even from some of his biggest supporters.
On the other hand, Trump’s performance in the debate has only increased his party’s support.
Fifty percent of registered voters believe the 78-year-old has the cognitive faculties to run for a second term in 2024; only 27 percent feel the same about Biden.
Of the 1,130 respondents, all said Trump won the debate in several different areas.
While 46 percent said he looked more presidential, only 28 percent said the same of the current president.
Only 18 percent of voters said Biden inspired confidence in the debate.
It’s unclear what will happen next, but Biden will spend Sunday at Camp David, where he will be discussing the future of this race with his family.
Some blame first lady Jill Biden for forcing her husband to continue campaigning for re-election, with Republican Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wy.) accusing the first lady of “elder abuse.”