This week’s showdown between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump is being hyped as the most critical presidential debate ever.

Voters agree, and here’s one indication of why. They believe a loss by Biden could force the party to kick him off the 2024 ticket.

In the latest Rasmussen Reports survey shared with Secrets, more voters believe Trump will emerge as the winner. By a 47%-37% margin, likely voters see Trump beating Biden in the poll that includes slightly more Democrats than Republicans for its survey sample.

The age of the candidates is expected to have an impact, with more voters viewing Biden’s recent bumbles and freezes as an indication of the hurdles he faces on the CNN debate stage on Thursday.

Rasmussen found that 57% believe Biden is “more likely to have problems in the debate because of his age.” Just 32% said age will undermine Trump. Trump is 78, and Biden is 81.

Tellingly, Democrats are split on that question, 43%-43%. Several polls have found Democrats skeptical of Biden winning the election, and many wish he would step aside and let someone else run in his place.

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And 34% of Democrats said they believe the first presidential debate is Biden’s “last chance” to show some life in the campaign. If he loses, that third of Democrats believe Biden should be replaced on the ticket.

Overall, when all voters were asked if the debate was Biden’s last chance to prove he should be on the ticket, 47% agreed, and 39% didn’t.