Mystery of the Moment: Why are Democrats so dead-set on Joe Biden – Kamala Harris? – It’s been said often and polled on numerous times: Joe Biden is too old to run again. There is consensus among most Americans that Joe Biden’s age is a major concern, and many also say that it might just be important enough for them to vote for someone else.
Even voters who typically vote Democrat aren’t too sold on the idea of another Biden presidency. A poll from CNN shows that more than half of Democratic voters, or 56%, say that the are concerned that the president’s “current level of physical and mental competence” going forward would be compromised by his advanced age. An even more significant majority of folks who vote Democrat, or 67%, said they want a different nominee for president from the party next year.
Only 33% or Democrats say they would like another four years of a Biden administration.
Biden, who is already the oldest sitting president, will turn 81 on November this year, and IF he wins again, he will be 86 by the time he ends a second term.
The CNN poll also shows that many Democratic voters just want a fresh start – “anyone but Joe Biden”, said 82% of the Democratic voters who said want their party to nominate someone else for the presidency next year.
A recent op-ed for the Wall Street Journal also points out what should be an obvious point to all by now: That Americans are souring – and are continuing to sour – on the idea of not only another “President” Donald Trump, but also, and equally so, on another “President Joe Biden”. “Biden is a Dangerous Choice for Democrats”, the opinion piece reads.
What About Kamala Harris?
Ostensibly, even though she has tried very, very, hard to steer clear of it (and the acknowledgement that her partner in the race IS old), Vice President Kamala Harris is the backup; or support for a quarterback, as opinions on a Wall Street Journal story put it.
But Americans don’t like her either.
Polls have consistently shown the vice president to be one of the most unpopular in U.S. history, proving even more unpopular than Trump’s VP– at least during his stint at the White House – Mike Pence.
Despite becoming more visible, and commanding the respect of Democratic donors, as well as an accomplished legal career in government, 54% of Americans simply aren’t happy with her job as vice president.
And while she still has the approval of a large majority of Democrats – 73% still approve of her job performance – her approval ratings have been going down throughout the year.
Who Else?
And even worse for Democrats, there really isn’t any serious competition for the presidential nomination next year. The only other candidates are Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Marianne Williamson, but neither one seems to be gaining enough traction to be the one to beat Biden.
Regardless of political affiliation, one has to acknowledge that Biden doesn’t command the same furor of excitement former president Barack Obama did – especially during his first bid for the White House – or even the small but very ardent fan base Bernie Sanders had – he’s also too old now (although he was arguably already too old before) – that inspired him to make try twice for the Democratic nomination.
It’s really hard to see why Democrats seem to have given up and have resigned themselves to a Joe Biden – Kamala Harris ticket next year. But given how close Biden is polling to Trump – the strong favorite to win the Republican primary – in terms of disapproval among the general pool of American voters, and with a very unlikable running mate to boot, liberals are treading on dangerous waters.
Tim Ramos has written for various publications, corporations, and organizations – covering everything from finance, politics, travel, entertainment, and sports – in Asia and the U.S. for more than 10 years.
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