President Joe Biden refused to answer a reporter’s question on Wednesday about whether he would serve a full four-year term if reelected in November or hand over power to Vice President Kamala Harris. The incident occurred during Biden’s seventh visit to Pennsylvania in 2024, where he was standing on the tarmac with supporters for a photo opportunity.
When New York Post White House correspondent Steven Nelson asked, “President Biden, will you be serving your full four-year term or handing over power to Vice President Harris?” Biden responded by questioning the reporter’s well-being, saying, “You’re not hurt, are you?” and “Did you fall on your head or something?”
The president’s refusal to directly address the question comes amid reports that a dozen Democrat party leaders and operatives are experiencing “palpable trepidation” over concerns about Biden potentially losing the election to former President Donald Trump. Recent polls show that nearly three-quarters of voters believe the nation is “out of control” and on the “wrong track” under Biden’s leadership.
The uncertainty surrounding Biden’s ability to serve a full term is further compounded by Vice President Harris’ low approval rating, which currently stands at 38 percent according to FiveThirtyEight polling. Democratic anxiety has been fueled by Biden’s declining support among key demographics that were instrumental in his 2020 victory, including independent voters, suburban women, Hispanics, black men and young adults.
As the Democratic National Convention approaches in August, the party could potentially replace Biden through a three-step political process, but it would require the president to step aside voluntarily.
