A new poll found that 65% of Democrats want President Joe Biden to end his campaign and allow his party to select a new nominee. The AP-NORC poll, conducted July 11-15, gives insight into the discontent many Americans have with their presidential choices this November.
Former President Donald Trump doesn’t fare much better, according to the poll. About 57% of adults said Trump should withdraw and allow Republicans to select a new nominee.
There is a notable difference between the two candidates’ support within their party: 73% of Republicans believe Trump should stay in the race, but only 35% of Democrats want Biden to stick around.
Biden is particularly unpopular with younger Democrats. The poll shows that 56% of respondents aged 18-44 said they’re “very” or “somewhat dissatisfied” with the 46th president. Only 43% of those 45 and older felt the same.
Despite the opposition to Biden’s campaign for a second term, he’s made it clear he has no plans to go anywhere. In an interview with BET News, the president was asked what it would take for to him reevaluate staying in the race.
“If I had some medical condition that emerged,” Biden said. “If the doctors came in and said, ‘You got this problem, that problem.’ I’ve demonstrated that I know how to get things done for the country in spite of the fact that I’m told I couldn’t get it done. But there’s more to do and I’m reluctant to walk away from that.”
There are 19 congressional Democrats who have called for Biden to drop out. Most recently and most prominently is Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., who is on track to be California’s next senator.
“A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about whether the president can defeat Donald Trump in November,” Schiff said in a statement.
Age and perceived mental capacity are the biggest reasons Biden is struggling. According to the AP poll, only 14% of Americans are extremely confident he has the mental capacity to serve effectively as president. About 70% of respondents said they are “not very confident” or “not confident” at all.