Staff Reports
Rep. Mike Quigley, an Illinois Democrat, has gone off-script by admitting that Joe Biden’s recent debate flop was more than just a bad night. Talk about airing dirty laundry. Quigley told CNN’s Kasie Hunt that the performance wasn’t merely poor but hinted that Biden’s gaffe-riddled appearance could have bigger implications for the entire Democratic ticket come November.
This honesty from Quigley is a refreshing change from the usual Democrat chorus defending Biden at all costs. While most Democrats downplayed the President’s visible struggles during the debate, Quigley chose not to sugarcoat it. He highlighted the real concern: this isn’t just about Biden; it’s about how his faltering could drag other Democrats down with him. Someone finally said what everyone else has been thinking but was too afraid to admit out loud.
.@RepMikeQuigley on @JoeBiden's possible replacement: "It's his decision. I just want him to appreciate at this time just how much it impacts not just his race, but all of the other races coming in November … it wasn't just a horrible night." pic.twitter.com/nHHKHKBYyq
— CNN This Morning with Kasie Hunt (@CNNThisMorning) July 2, 2024
Quigley even suggested that polling data might be the only thing to finally push the President out of the race. With possible heavyweights like Vice President Kamala Harris and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer waiting in the wings, the Democrats could be looking at a messy battle royale. Quigley noted that polling might be the breaking point—depending on how grim it looks for Biden, whose decision-making seems less influenced by reality and more by stubborn pride.
Biden’s demonstration of aged confusion and incoherence during the debate isn’t just unsettling; it’s a confirmation of what many have suspected. If the Democrats’ own ranks are beginning to question his capabilities, how can voters be expected to feel confident? A recent poll suggests that 66% of voters doubt Biden’s fitness, including a surprising 40% of Democrats.
As it currently stands, Biden remains the Democratic nominee, but he’s lagging behind former President Donald Trump by 1.4 points according to FiveThirtyEight’s polling averages. Post-debate polls have consistently shown Trump in the lead. With this latest bout of public embarrassment, one has to wonder how long before the Democrats throw in the towel and seek a fresh face, or risk the entire party’s downfall.
