Democratic Anxiety Over President Biden’s Fitness for Re-Election Sparks Panic and Concern Among Party Officials

Democratic anxiety over President Biden’s fitness to run for re-election has reached a boiling point, with prominent officials and lawmakers expressing concerns about his performance and debating whether he should withdraw from the race.

The issue came to a head on Tuesday when the first sitting member of Congress called on Mr. Biden to step down, sparking a wave of panic within the Democratic party. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island openly questioned the president’s “condition” and expressed horror at his recent performance. Other officials, including Senator Peter Welch of Vermont and Representative Lloyd Doggett of Texas, also voiced their doubts about Mr. Biden’s ability to continue as the party’s nominee.

The recent debate performance by Mr. Biden, which was described as fumbling and faltering, has raised serious questions about his candidacy just four months before Election Day. Lawmakers, strategists, and operatives are now grappling with the potential impact of his stumbles on the party’s chances in critical races for control of the House and Senate.

While some leading Democrats are standing by Mr. Biden, others are acknowledging the gravity of the situation. Representative Nancy Pelosi of California admitted that it was legitimate to question whether Mr. Biden’s poor debate showing was a one-time mistake or a more concerning pattern. Democratic donors are reportedly giving mixed feedback on the president’s ability to run for re-election.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Mr. Biden’s candidacy, Democratic campaign arms are emphasizing the strength of their candidates in congressional races. They maintain that Democrats are still outperforming their Republican opponents in key battlegrounds, regardless of the president’s recent struggles.

As the party grapples with these internal divisions and concerns, the future of Mr. Biden’s re-election bid remains uncertain, casting a shadow over the upcoming election season.