Biden’s Mental Fitness in Doubt as Trump Gains Post-Debate

Following President Joe Biden’s widely criticized debate performance on Thursday, a new wave of post-debate surveys reveals a significant decline in voter confidence regarding his mental fitness. These surveys indicate that former President Donald Trump has nearly doubled his slim lead since the debate, reflecting a notable shift in voter sentiment. The Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, conducted from Friday to Sunday, highlights that 66% of registered voters now question Biden’s mental capability, marking a 12-point increase from May. Additionally, 74% of respondents believe Biden is too old to serve as president, up 11 points from earlier in the year. Furthermore, the poll reveals that 54% of voters think Biden’s performance as president is deteriorating, a five-point rise since May. This data was gathered from a survey of 2,090 registered voters.

Despite Trump’s lead remaining steady at six points in a two-way matchup, both Biden and Trump have lost two points since last month. However, the Harvard CAPS/Harris poll underscores that 40% of voters are now more inclined to support Trump after the debate, while 26% are less likely to back him. In contrast, only 23% of voters are more likely to vote for Biden, with a significant 42% stating they are less inclined to support him post-debate. This indicates a growing disparity in voter support between the two candidates, emphasizing the challenges Biden faces in maintaining his voter base.

A CBS/YouGov poll conducted on Friday and Saturday reveals even more alarming trends for Biden. The poll shows that 72% of voters believe Biden should not seek re-election, an increase from 63% in February. This sentiment is echoed by nearly half (46%) of Democratic respondents, marking a 10-point increase since February. Additionally, 41% of Democrats now question Biden’s mental and cognitive health, compared to 29% in June. Overall, 72% of voters feel Biden lacks the mental and cognitive ability to serve as president, a stark contrast to the 49% who think the same of Trump. This growing concern among Democrats highlights the internal party challenges Biden may face moving forward.

In an Ipsos poll of over 2,500 likely voters taken after the debate, only 20% described Biden’s mental fitness as “good” or “excellent,” marking a seven-point decline from a previous survey. Among Democrats, this sentiment has also declined, with only 42% viewing Biden as mentally fit, down from 56% in the prior poll. This decline in perceived mental fitness among both the general electorate and Democrats underscores the growing skepticism about Biden’s capability to effectively lead the country.

Morning Consult’s survey, conducted the day after the debate, provides further evidence of Biden’s declining support. The poll indicates that 47% of Democratic voters and 60% of voters overall believe Biden should be replaced as the Democratic nominee. Additionally, 78% of respondents consider Biden too old to serve another term, a 14-point increase from a pre-debate poll. These findings suggest a significant erosion of confidence in Biden’s ability to continue as president, raising questions about his viability as a candidate in the upcoming election.

According to a survey by the progressive Our Revolution PAC conducted in the days following the debate, 67% of the 17,000 respondents believe Biden should suspend his campaign. Despite this, only 32% reported being less likely to support Biden post-debate, while 57% said their support remained unchanged. This indicates a complex dynamic within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, where there is a call for new leadership yet a continued baseline of support for Biden.

In response to the debate fallout, Biden and his key Democratic supporters, including potential replacement candidates, are reaffirming their positions. Major newspapers and columnists have called for Biden to step down, warning that his continued candidacy could lead to a Trump victory in November. Biden has been secluded at Camp David over the weekend and has made several public appearances with prepared statements but has avoided unscripted press interactions. Meanwhile, Trump achieved a legal victory on Monday when the Supreme Court granted him partial immunity in his federal election fraud case, intensifying concerns about his potential unchecked power if re-elected.

Biden’s campaign contends that internal polling shows no significant change in his race standing. Pollster Geoff Garin of Hart Research reported to The Washington Post that a recent internal survey of 1,805 registered voters in seven battleground states found Trump with a marginal lead, consistent with pre-debate figures. Garin noted that voters concerned about Biden’s debate performance remain supportive, considering Trump an unacceptable alternative. This perspective from Biden’s campaign highlights a contrasting narrative to the public polls, suggesting that the president’s core supporters are still steadfast despite the debate’s negative reception.