In the aftermath of President Joe Biden’s recent debate performance, a wave of Democratic leaders is urging him to step aside from the 2024 presidential race. The calls began with Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas, who became the first sitting Democrat in Congress to openly suggest that Biden withdraw, citing Biden’s lackluster debate showing and his continued trailing behind Donald Trump in polls.
Doggett, representing a district in Austin, Texas, referenced historical precedence in his statement: “Under very different circumstances, Lyndon Johnson made the painful decision to withdraw. President Biden should do the same.” He expressed gratitude for Biden’s past achievements but emphasized the need for a new generation of leadership to combat the rising authoritarian threat posed by Trump.
Doggett’s call has resonated with other Democrats. Adam Frisch, a Democratic candidate from Colorado, and former HUD Secretary Julián Castro have echoed Doggett’s sentiments, suggesting that Biden is not the strongest candidate to face Trump. Castro pointed out the presence of potentially stronger candidates within the Democratic Party, including Vice President Kamala Harris.
Despite the increasing calls for his withdrawal, President Biden remains resolute. Aides announced his plans to travel to swing states, indicating no intention to step down. Biden’s campaign maintains that his debate performance was an isolated incident and that he remains the best candidate to defeat Trump. Biden is also set to address his campaign’s direction in an upcoming interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC.
However, behind the scenes, the sentiment among many Democratic officials and donors is one of concern. In conversations with CNN, numerous party members expressed doubts about Biden’s ability to win in 2024, suggesting that the debate performance highlighted ongoing issues rather than being an outlier.
One senior Democratic official, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “This is not like Obama being rusty for a debate. [Biden] might be able to survive this if this was the only incident. But it won’t be the only incident.” This sentiment is echoed by others who believe that Biden’s continued candidacy could jeopardize not only the presidency but also down-ballot races crucial to maintaining control in Congress.
The urgency for Biden to consider stepping aside intensified following a Supreme Court ruling that grants Trump significant immunity from prosecution. Many Democrats argue that this development makes it even more critical to ensure a strong candidate who can effectively challenge Trump’s growing power.
As the debate around Biden’s candidacy intensifies, prominent Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, have publicly called for more transparency regarding Biden’s health and campaign strategy. Pelosi emphasized the importance of multiple interviews to clarify Biden’s fitness for office, while Whitehouse suggested a more active campaign schedule to address voter concerns.
In contrast, Biden’s inner circle and loyal supporters, like Delaware Sen. Chris Coons, argue that Biden’s resilience and long history of overcoming challenges make him the right person to lead the country through this tumultuous period. Coons advocates for a more visible campaign to counter the narrative of Biden’s inadequacy.
As the Democratic Party grapples with these internal conflicts, the path forward remains uncertain. The stakes are undeniably high, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the Democratic strategy for the 2024 election.
