In a surprising turn on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, host Bill Maher has joined the chorus urging President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race. Following Biden's lackluster debate performance, Maher likened the situation to a declining TV series desperately in need of fresh characters.
During the debate, Biden's frequent stumbling and blank stares raised concerns across party lines, with even left-leaning publications like The New York Times calling for his exit. Maher, known for his sharp wit, suggested Biden's age and performance issues could be seen as a "blessing in disguise," urging the Democratic Party to consider an open convention to spark voter enthusiasm.
Maher didn't stop there, endorsing California Governor Gavin Newsom as a formidable challenger to former President Donald Trump. Praising Newsom's unwavering confidence and ability to stand up to Trump's tactics, Maher criticized Biden's persistence in staying in the race as "supreme selfishness."
As the debate over Biden's future intensifies, Maher's call for change underscores growing concerns about the Democratic Party's strategy heading into the next election cycle.
The idea of California Governor Gavin Newsom potentially stepping in to replace Biden as the Democratic nominee has been discussed. However, Newsom has firmly rejected this suggestion, dismissing talks about replacing Biden as "unhelpful and unnecessary."
In a recent Biden campaign fundraising appeal on Friday, Newsom emphasized that the party should not abandon Biden based on one performance. He questioned the loyalty of a party that would consider such a move, stating, "We aren't going to turn our backs because of one performance. What kind of party does that?"
Biden's lackluster debate showing last week has sparked concerns among some Democrats about his ability to defeat Trump in November and effectively lead the country for another term. His struggles during the debate included stumbling over words, appearing to lose his train of thought, and experiencing difficulty navigating a small set of stairs to approach moderators.
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