More Democrats than Republicans want President Joe Biden off the ticket, a stunning rejection of their party leader just months before the upcoming election.
According to a poll by Rasmussen Reports, 54% of likely Democratic voters would support replacing Biden, despite the party’s nominating convention set for mid-August. This comes despite Biden’s significant wins in the primaries.
The Democrats have no clear alternative, with former First Lady Michelle Obama, who has repeatedly stated she will not run, being the only potential candidate mentioned.
The poll, shared with Secrets, revealed that just 38% of Democrats opposed replacing Biden, reflecting concerns about his inconsistent policies and perceived cognitive and health issues. In contrast, 43% of Republicans and 50% of independents would support replacing Biden on the ticket.
The survey suggests that Democrats feel stuck with Biden. When asked about the likelihood of Biden being replaced, 38% said it was likely, while 57% said it was not.
The lack of a strong alternative seems to contribute to Democrats’ dissatisfaction. While Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) is the most discussed alternative, only 8% of Democrats consider him a better candidate than Biden. For Michelle Obama, it was 21%, and Vice President Kamala Harris was seen as a better choice by 17% of Democrats. The top pick among Democrats was “none of them,” at 31%.
Including Republicans and independent likely voters, 49% supported Biden being replaced on the ticket, while 37% disapproved.
Rasmussen’s survey sample included 35% Democrats, 33% Republicans, and 32% mostly independents.
There is little Democrats can do to replace Biden. He has secured 3,664 delegates, far exceeding the 1,968 needed to win the nomination. The only way for a change would be for Biden to step aside voluntarily. The last sitting president to do so was Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968, amid strong party opposition over his Vietnam War policies.
Biden faces protests over his policies on Israel and the economy but remains in a tight race with former President Donald Trump in many popularity polls. Trump is the presumptive GOP nominee.
