It doesn’t matter what a DOJ special counsel or other single influential figures think about the cognitive abilities or handicaps of presidential hopefuls– it matters what the voting public believes. A recent poll reveals that more than half the American electorate has serious doubts about both leading candidates’ mental fitness for office. Will Democrats pull off a bait-and-switch at the last minute sometime between now and November? Some believe they may, and a name on people’s lips is former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Respected Quinnipiac Poll Reveals Voters Have Concerns with Both Biden and Trump
President Joe Biden, 81, and former President Donald Trump, 77, have been found wanting among participants in a recent Quinnipiac University survey indicating widespread skepticism among American voters regarding President Joe Biden and Donald Trump’s mental fitness for serving another term in office.
64% Doubt Biden’s Mental Readiness, Other Polls Show Higher Level of Doubt
The poll reveals that 64% of participants doubt Biden’s mental readiness for reelection, despite this being a more favorable assessment compared to another survey, which had worse results for Biden. Furthermore, 51% of those polled question Trump’s mental capability for a return to the presidency.
DOJ Counsel Added Fuel to the Fire in Calling Him Elderly Man with a Poor Memory
Biden, at 81, has faced increased scrutiny over his mental sharpness, especially after a report by Special Counsel Robert Hur highlighted concerns about his memory, calling Biden’s memory as “poor” and having “significant limitations.”
Biden Defends Cognitive Abilities, Continues Campaigning
Despite scathing assessments of his ability to lead the country for another term, Biden has fiercely defended his cognitive abilities and continues his presidential reelection campaign, calling himself the “most qualified person in this country” to be president.
Trump Leading His Party Ticket, Mixed Polling Regarding Ability to Win in November
Trump, 77, appears to be securing the Republican nomination with favorable polling numbers against Biden. However, the Quinnipiac poll shows Biden leading by 4 points, contrasting with other polls and the close competition suggested by an Economist/YouGov poll, all respected polls among election-watchers.
Voters Indicated Concern About Age and Mental Suitability of Both Candidates
Polls reflect a notable concern among voters about the age and mental suitability of both Biden and Trump for the presidency, with a significant portion of the electorate questioning their capabilities for another term.
Deafening Silence Among Partisans Regarding Party Leader’s Fitness
This sentiment comes amidst ongoing debates over their fitness from outside the campaigns, notably not within the party leadership, at least publicly.
Will Biden Be Substituted by a New Candidate Sometime Before November?
Some believe voters might expect a change of candidacy towards the end of the primary elections, including some suggesting Michelle Obama may be subbed in for Biden before the November election.
Aims of Democratic Party Questioned, Uncertain How Candidates Could Be Substituted
It is unclear if this is a serious proposal or how that might come about regarding campaigning and election laws. Generally, if a presidential candidate steps down from candidacy or passes away while in office, the vice presidential running mate is expected to rise to the job or candidacy of president.
Kamala Harris Not a Popular Replacement Candidate, Approval Rating Only 36.4%
However, in this case, Kamala Harris is not seen as an heir apparent to replace her running partner. As of Feb. 12, her approval rating was only 36.4%, according to fivethirtyeight.com. One of the contributing factors to her rating is her role as the administration’s lead on the contentious immigration issue.
Unlikely for Democratic Party to Oust Biden
A swap of candidates might be unlikely because the recent precedent of the Democratic Party has been to respect its elder statesmen, giving them broad latitude to continue governing even when it is generally known that they should likely step down.
Dianne Feinstein Supported by Colleagues, Despite Over a Decade of Mental Decline
A recent example is the case of the late Dianne Feinstein, who had been struggling cognitively for years, and only towards the very end did she announce she would not run for reelection in 2024, despite gentle pressure from some colleagues. She died in office in September 2023 at the age of 90.
Democratic Colleagues Largely Supported Feinstein, Chose Not to Press For Her Exit
Feinstein had broad support from her long-standing colleagues to continue with her vocation until she decided to end her historic career as the oldest serving member of the Senate (90 years old) and the first female senator from California.
Trump Unlikely to Be Replaced, All Bets Are Off Pending Outcomes of Legal Battles
Trump is a difficult and popular figure to replace for the Republican Party. If Trump’s legal battles catch up to him or somehow inhibit his candidacy, render him ineligible for inauguration, or affect him only after he takes office, it is difficult to see who would helm the Republican Party. A lot will rest on who Trump selects as a likely running mate.
Still Time for Turn Around Before November
Both campaigns have time to secure wins for their party, conceal potential weaknesses and defects of their figureheads, and win broad support. The election, still months away, leaves room for changing public opinion as both candidates continue their bid for the White House.
