President Biden’s second possible freezing episode in the last week has sparked renewed speculation that Democrats are secretly plotting to replace him on the ticket and shifted focus to his make or break first debate with Donald Trump later this month.
Former President Barack Obama was seen grabbing Biden’s hand and guiding him offstage at a big bucks Hollywood fundraiser over the weekend after the president hesitated for several moments.
There was a dispute about whether Biden froze or was just taking in the applauding crowd.
But just last week, Biden appeared to freeze on the dance floor at a Juneteenth event. Video of the episode went viral and prompted more concerns about Biden’s health.
White House officials said Biden was simply soaking up applause at the fundraiser and suggested the video of the event was doctored by Republicans to make the president look bad.
“By pretending the president taking in an applauding crowd for a few seconds is somehow wrong, all they’re really admitting – once again – is they can’t take on the leadership that’s fueling the strongest economic growth in the world, bringing violent crime to a 50-year low, restoring manufacturing jobs from overseas, and strengthening our alliances,” senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said, describing the video as a “cheap fake.”
Yes, Republicans are making up the video because they’re concerned about the incredibly low crime rate helping Biden. Because voters feel so safe. That’s it.
The new worries about Biden come as Hillary Clinton made another surprise public appearance, sparking rumors that she’s keeping her options open.
Could Clinton be paving the way for Democrats to pick her as the presidential nominee?
A number of Democratic consultants are speculating that top party officials could be very quietly looking to remove Biden from the ticket before the convention and find a younger, more dynamic leader to lead the ticket – someone like Michelle Obama. The plan would have to get approval from Democratic elders like Barack Obama.
Clinton is not young but could be a compromise choice to save the day and win a rematch with Trump in November.
The debate over a possible Biden replacement comes as the president is preparing for his June 27 debate showdown with the former Republican president – a risky gambit for Biden but one he may need to pass if he has a chance of winning reelection.
Biden could easily make a major gaffe or have a mental meltdown during the debate – which could essentially doom his election hopes. But Trump is also no spring chicken and could easily lose it during the one–on-one debate rematch. Democrats are hoping the questions provoke Trump into making a huge mistake.
If Biden can somehow get through the debate unscathed, it could ease voter concerns about his age and mental acuity.
