In a recent report from the Department of Justice (DOJ), President Joe Biden's age has come under scrutiny, with mentions of his "diminished faculties" and "poor memory." While Democrats have rallied around the 81-year-old president and he has shown no signs of stepping aside, speculations about his potential replacement in the 2024 presidential race have surfaced.

One unfounded theory suggests that Democrats could elevate former First Lady Michelle Obama as their nominee for 2024. Over the years, polls have shown that Obama enjoys high favorability ratings. However, Obama has repeatedly stated that she has no intention of running for president and does not desire the job.

Even if Biden were to withdraw from the race, it would be unlikely for a new candidate to surpass his delegate count, as the filing deadlines to get on the primary ballot have already passed in all but six states. Although delegates are not obligated to support the nominee at the party's convention on August 19th, Biden could potentially encourage them to back another candidate in the unlikely event of his withdrawal.

In the scenario where Biden secures the nomination at the convention but becomes unable to run in the general election, convention rules would require Democratic Party Chair Jaime Harrison to consult Congress and the Democratic Governors Association to recommend a new nominee to the Democratic National Committee.

Recent polling conducted by ABC/Ipsos revealed that 86% of Americans believe Biden is too old to serve another term. In comparison, 62% of Americans expressed similar concerns about former President Donald Trump, who is 77 years old. The DOJ report released last week cleared Biden of criminal charges in relation to his handling of classified documents. However, it included critical remarks about his age, suggesting that his memory was significantly limited during interviews.

These comments, coupled with recent verbal flubs on the campaign trail, have intensified Republican criticism that Biden is not fit to run for a second term. Nevertheless, Biden's allies have staunchly defended the president, dismissing the report's description of his mental faculties as inaccurate and politically motivated.

As September 2022 begins, President Biden's approval rating stands at approximately 38%, while Trump leads in various general election polls, according to data analyzed by FiveThirtyEight. These numbers have sparked concerns about Biden's chances in the upcoming November race.

During a response to the report, Biden confidently stated, "I'm well-meaning, and I'm an elderly man - and I know what the hell I'm doing." Meanwhile, other prominent figures such as Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Vice President Kamala Harris have praised Biden's sharpness, calling into question the DOJ report's characterization of his mental capabilities.

While the speculation surrounding a potential replacement for President Biden continues, it is important to note that he remains committed to his role and has not shown any indications of stepping aside. The scrutiny over his age and allegations of cognitive decline add an additional layer of complexity to the ongoing political landscape.