As the political firestorm unleashed by President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance continues to spiral out of control, Democrats at the highest levels of the party establishment are openly discussing not only the merits but also the mechanics of replacing him on the ballot for November.

But against the growing cacophony of big name Democrat elected officials, institutions, and media outlets, Joe Biden remains adamant – even defiant -- that he isn’t dropping out of the race.

How is that possible? How can the very highest levels of the Democratic establishment be as divided as they are on this?

It isn’t as though the New York Times editorial board just woke up one day and decided they didn’t like Biden anymore. And the list of elected Democrats calling for him to step aside as the candidate could hardly be described as a group of “Never-Bidenites.” All of those suggesting that Biden might not be up to the task – overtly, of being a candidate, and quietly, of being president again – are taking a very reasonable position based upon evidence: what they saw and heard at the debate and in the trainwreck........

© The Hill