A recent poll conducted by Morning Consult reveals a significant divide among Democratic voters regarding President Joe Biden's debate performance against Donald Trump. The poll found that nearly half of Democratic voters, 47 percent to be exact, believe that Biden should be replaced as the party's presidential candidate.

Biden's debate performance, which was criticized for his verbal blanks, non sequiturs, and hoarse delivery, seems to have sparked fear and panic among Democrats. This prompted some within the party to call for the 81-year-old incumbent to step aside. However, Biden responded to critics during a rally in North Carolina, asserting that despite his age, he knows how to do the job.

Nevertheless, the Morning Consult survey found that a majority of independent voters, 59 percent, also believe that Biden should be replaced. Additionally, it revealed that three out of ten Democratic voters prefer Vice President Kamala Harris to assume the presidential candidacy if Biden were to step aside. Following closely behind was California Governor Gavin Newsom, supported by one-fifth (20 percent) of Democratic voters.

Interestingly, the poll also revealed that 57 percent of respondents believed that Trump had the better debate performance. This sentiment was shared by 19 percent of Democrats, 60 percent of independents, and a resounding 93 percent of Republicans.

Furthermore, the poll indicated that concerns about Biden's age have increased among voters. A staggering 78 percent of all voters believed that Biden was too old, compared to 64 percent prior to the debate.

Despite these divisions and concerns, the race between Biden and Trump remains neck and neck, with Biden at 45 percent compared to Trump's 44 percent. The question surfaces as to whether Biden is the candidate who can secure victory for the Democrats in the upcoming November elections.

Experts weighed in on the situation, highlighting that the Democratic Party does not have a formal mechanism to remove a candidate from the ticket. Mark Shanahan, an associate professor of political engagement at the University of Surrey in the U.K., stated that the key conversation in the coming days will be between Biden and his family. While senior advisers can advise Biden to step back, they cannot insist on it.

Looking ahead, if Biden were to step down as the 2024 candidate, analysts suggest that the Democratic Party should consider backing a new ticket before the Democratic National Convention in August. Names such as Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer were mentioned as potential replacements, with a focus on selecting a balanced vice presidential candidate.

The worst-case scenario for the Democrats, according to Shanahan, would be a lack of clear succession by the time of the convention, leading to a divisive and factional floor fight in Chicago to determine who will face off against Trump in November.

Newsweek has reached out to Biden's team for comment on the poll's findings. As the race continues to unfold, the Democrats face a critical decision about the future of their presidential candidacy.