In a shocking report by special counsel Robert Hur, concerns surrounding President Biden's deteriorating mental state have led some Democrats to contemplate the idea of changing the 2024 ticket. However, with the primary calendar in full swing and Vice President Kamala Harris polling lower than her boss, time may be running out, according to sources cited by The Post.

A well-placed Democratic operative acknowledged on Friday that it is "realistic" for Harris to replace Biden due to his diminished capabilities, but also speculated that the party's lineup of candidates would likely remain the same as it was four years ago. The worries surrounding Biden's health are reflected by polling that shows a majority of Americans share concerns about his age.

Veteran Democratic operatives have said that, at this stage of the race, there is minimal chance of Biden being replaced unless he decides to step down himself. Strategist Brad Bannon emphasized that "the president owns the DNC lock, stock and barrel" and that the party would only have the opportunity to choose a different nominee if Biden voluntarily withdrew from the race.

Despite the frequent gaffes and stumbles, top Democrats have remained publicly supportive of Biden, even if some privately express the desire for someone else to take his place. Bannon noted that while there are Democrats concerned about Biden's viability in November, such sentiment is scattered and not heavily concentrated.

The pressure for Biden to step aside would have been more intense if former President Donald Trump, 77, was not the likely Republican nominee, as he also carries his own baggage. Currently, the only Democrat challenging Biden for the nomination is outgoing Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), while potential alternatives like California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have already endorsed the incumbent president, further consolidating his power within the party.

Biden has secured convincing wins in the New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada primaries, while Phillips has struggled to surpass 20% support in any contest. Bannon suggested that many concerned Democrats may hesitate to discuss their worries openly due to personal loyalty towards Biden and a desire to not undermine his chances against Trump.

Democratic pollster John Zogby also expressed skepticism about the possibility of the DNC replacing Biden, stating that there is "very little chance" of such a change occurring. Zogby cited the party's commitment to the primary system, which heavily favors Biden, and argued that replacing him with Harris would present even greater concerns for Democrats given her perceived lack of popularity and vulnerability to Republican attacks.

Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) revealed that some Democrats have privately expressed disappointment with Biden as the likely nominee, fearing that his candidacy could negatively impact the party's chances in House and Senate elections. Jackson claimed that these Democrats worry that people may switch parties or refrain from voting altogether due to their dissatisfaction with Biden's performance in office.

As the primary season progresses, the question of whether Biden will remain the Democratic nominee continues to loom. For now, the party appears to be committed to his candidacy, despite the internal concerns expressed by some.