Thomas Friedman: Emotional reaction to retirement suggestion after intense confrontation

After the confrontation that took place tonight (Friday) between US President Joe Biden and his predecessor in the position of Donald Trump, the voices in the Democratic Party are increasing calling for the replacement of Biden from the presidential race. This information was published on the news website NBC NEWS. The one who provided a particularly dramatic and surprising statement is “New York Times” journalist Thomas Friedman. Friedman, who is considered close to Biden and one of the main journalists on the American left, commented on the harsh criticism of the president: “I cried when I watched the confrontation, Biden should retire.”

As mentioned, a number of Democratic party members began calling on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race, in order to allow the party to nominate another candidate, following Biden’s appearance in the confrontation. “It was like a champion boxer entering the ring past his prime and needing a towel,” said a Democratic congressman, adding that he thought Biden should drop out of the race. The possibilities for replacing the candidate are limited: if the president does not choose to step down voluntarily, a revolt will be required among the delegates of the Democratic National Convention, the vast majority of whom were elected on the basis of their commitment to nominate Biden. But this is exactly what some Democrats have begun to consider.

“It’s time to talk about an open convention and a new Democratic nominee,” said another Democratic congressman who until now has been a staunch Biden supporter. The fear among these Democrats is that the version of Biden that appeared in the showdown — reminiscent of the caricature Trump and his allies are drawing of a man unfit for office — will not be able to win in November. Among those reacting to the confrontation was Richie Torres, from the Democratic Party, who said: “The one who lost in the confrontation is the state.”

Senator Lindsey Graham said that “Biden’s appearance at the debate showed that he threatens national security.” Another member of the Democratic Party said that “Biden is on fire.” The chairman of the US House of Representatives said that “today’s debate proved the importance of Trump’s election”. Another Democratic representative even told the Axios website that “we will lose 20 seats in the House of Representatives because of Biden’s performance.” Additionally, according to a survey conducted by CNN, about 80% believe that the confrontation between Biden and Trump did not affect their choice, while about 67% believe that Trump is the winner.

However, it should be noted that this is a preliminary report, and that the majority of senior Democratic Party officials continue to support Biden as the party’s presidential candidate.