The disastrous debate performance. The endless gaffes and verbal missteps. The obvious mental fatigue and lack of vigor for someone of his age.
For months, whispers have circulated about whether President Biden is truly fit to carry the immense duties of the Oval Office into his late 70s. But after his shockingly low-energy and confused showing in this week's primetime debate against Donald Trump, those whispers are turning into a full-throated roar.
From longtime Biden supporters like former Obama advisor David Axelrod declaring "he shouldn't run again," to Democrats in Congress privately raising concerns, to conservative pundits outright calling for his removal - the 25th Amendment is now becoming a hot topic of discussion.
This is the constitutional provision outlining how a sitting president can be replaced due to their inability to capably discharge the duties of the office. And after watching Biden stumble through what should have been his shining prime-time moment on the national debate stage, it's becoming increasingly hard for even his defenders to claim he's still up to the task.
The 25th Amendment lays out a clear two-step process to make this happen without the president's consent. First, the vice president and a majority of cabinet members must declare in writing that the president is "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office." This would immediately elevate Kamala Harris to acting president.
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Biden could contest this move by sending his own letter asserting he is fully capable. But Harris and cabinet officials would then have four days to re-issue their declaration of his inability. At that point, Congress would be required to vote on the matter within 21 days. A two-thirds majority in both chambers would permanently install the vice president as president.
Now while there are no credible reports that such discussions are actively taking place behind closed doors, the loudening public calls to pursue this course cannot be ignored. Biden's running buddy from the good ol' days seemed to tactfully raise the prospect when asked about the president's future this week.
"Look, the man ain't a damn kid anymore," former President Obama said. "At a certain point, we all gotta ask ourselves if someone is truly equipped for that job in their late 70s. The American people deserve a leader who's sharp as a tack up there."
The conservative echo chamber has been even more blunt and forceful in sounding the 25th Amendment alarm. "GET HIM OUT" screamed one recent headline on a prominent right-wing website showing Biden looking dazed at his podium. These voices clearly smell blood in the water.
But passing the incredibly high constitutional bar to remove a sitting president against his will is still a huge longshot, even with Biden's struggles. Unified Republican control of Congress makes getting those two-thirds majorities easier in theory. But good luck convincing dozens of Democratic legislators to go along with undoing the results of a free and fair election before Biden's term is even up.
Of course, there's always the possibility that Biden himself comes to the deeply sobering realization that he simply cannot continue serving effectively. He could take the statesmanlike route and resign, handing the reins to Harris to see out his first term before deciding on her own potential re-election bid in 2028.
No matter how you slice it, this is uncharted territory for the American presidency. The conscious removal or resignation of a duly elected commander-in-chief due to evident mental decline would be an historic first. It's a sobering example of the challenges and complications that come with electing a president of such an advanced age in their late 70s.
So put down your partisan blinders for a moment. As you watch Biden continue to falter on the national stage, ask yourself the big question: Is he still truly up for this job at this point in his life? Because that debate performance was pretty tough to watch, even for some of his most ardent supporters.
The 25th Amendment exists for a reason. And the American people deserve a president who has the physical and mental stamina to lead this nation with strength and clarity. Just something to ponder over your morning coffee.