Senior Democratic officials are publicly discussing the possibility of President Biden stepping down from the 2024 presidential race.

“Right now, it involves party strategists, it involves elected officials, it involves fundraisers, and they’re having conversations about the president’s performance, which they think was dismal,” said CNN’s John King. “Some of those conversations include, should we go to the White House and ask the president to step aside?”

CBS Reporter Ed O’Keefe further verified that “there are House Democrats who convened tonight to collectively discuss reaching out to the White House regarding his resignation. That’s how severe the situation is.”

ABC, NBC, and The Washington Post expressed unanimous dismay and astonishment at Biden’s lackluster performance during the initial presidential debate. The president’s hoarse voice, frequent fluster, and moments of mental lapse were highlighted.

“The voice, open-mouthed look, and visual contrast between President Biden and former President Trump all have Democrats I’m talking to nearly beside themselves watching this debate,” CNN anchor Kasie Hunt said.

Prominent members of the Democratic party are making numerous phone calls nationwide this evening, as confirmed by all major television networks.

“There is a deep wide and aggressive panic inside the Democratic Party after watching this tonight,” King said.

MSNBC’s Joy Reid was also aghast: “My phone never really stopped buzzing throughout. The universal reaction was…approaching panic!”