More Democrats than Republicans want President Joe Biden removed from the ticket, revealing significant dissatisfaction with the party chief just months before Election Day.
A Rasmussen Reports poll released on Tuesday showed that 54% of Democratic likely voters would approve of replacing Biden, an unlikely scenario given that the party’s nominating convention is set for mid-August and Biden has won his primaries decisively. The poll indicates that Democrats are increasingly concerned about Biden’s policies, mental acuity, and health, despite having no clear alternative other than former first lady Michelle Obama, who has consistently declined to run.
The poll results are stark: only 38% of Democrats disapprove of replacing Biden, while 43% of Republicans and 50% of independents would support Democrats finding a new candidate. This indicates a significant divide within the Democratic base regarding Biden’s suitability for another term.
When asked about the likelihood of Biden being replaced, 57% of Democrats said it was unlikely, showing a resigned acceptance that they are stuck with him. Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) has been floated as an alternative, but only 8% of Democrats believe he would be a better candidate than Biden. Former first lady Michelle Obama was preferred by 21%, and Vice President Kamala Harris by 17%. The most popular choice among Democrats was “none of them,” at 31%.
Including responses from Republicans and independents, 49% of likely voters support Biden being replaced on the ticket, while 37% disapprove. This broad dissatisfaction underscores the challenges facing Biden as he contends with internal party strife and a general electorate that is far from united behind him.
Rasmussen’s survey included 35% Democrats, 33% Republicans, and 32% independents, reflecting a balanced sample of likely voters. Despite the growing discontent, the reality is that Democrats have limited options to replace Biden. He has secured 3,664 delegates, well above the 1,968 needed to clinch the nomination. The only feasible way to alter the outcome would be for Biden to voluntarily step aside, a scenario reminiscent of Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 when he faced substantial party opposition over his Vietnam War policies.
Biden is currently facing protests over his policies on Israel and the economy but remains neck-and-neck with former President Donald Trump in many popularity polls. Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee, appears to be in a stronger position, given the disarray and dissatisfaction within the Democratic Party.
