A growing number of Democratic lawmakers are urging President Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race because they believe a younger candidate may be better suited to take on the challenges ahead.
Calls for Biden to withdraw have grown since Biden’s solo press conference after the NATO summit, with at least three Democratic members of the House of Representatives expressing concerns.
Despite the optimism expressed by Biden’s team about his performance, doubts remain within the party. Many are concerned about whether Biden still has the strength needed to defeat former President Donald Trump and effectively lead the nation for another term.
Alarming data
Congressman Jim Himes acknowledged that Biden is a great leader but stressed the importance of presenting a strong candidate for the upcoming election.
“The 2024 election will determine the future of American democracy, and we must put forward the strongest possible candidate to confront the threat posed by Trump’s promised authoritarianism,” Himes said.
He expressed his belief that Biden was no longer the candidate and urged him to step down.
Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) echoed those sentiments, pointing to Biden’s debate performance and falling polls in swing states. “Today, I am asking President Biden to withdraw from the presidential campaign,” Peters said. “The stakes are high, and we are on a losing streak.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.), who is facing reelection in a competitive district, called on Biden to step down. He expressed hope for a candidate who could deliver a positive vision for the country, and urged Biden to put the nation’s interests before personal ambition.
Biden’s response and partisan tensions
During the press conference, Biden reiterated his commitment to completing the job he was elected to do. He noted the seriousness of the situation he inherited on the economy, foreign policy, and domestic divisions. However, this did little to reassure his critics.
Some Democratic officials have criticized Biden’s lack of a forward-looking message and his focus on foreign policy issues that are irrelevant to undecided voters. “He hasn’t done anything to reassure Democrats that he understands the gravity of his political situation or that he has a realistic plan to win,” one official told CNBC on condition of anonymity.
As the Democratic nominating conventions approach, time is running out for the Democratic Party to resolve its internal conflicts. Democratic leaders are raising the issue with urgency because they believe the following week, when lawmakers return, is the last hurdle.
The first significant call for Biden to withdraw came from Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a longtime Texas congressman, just five days after the June 27 debate. Doggett praised Biden’s accomplishments but expressed concern about his ability to defend them effectively.
Opposition Choir
Several other House Democrats have joined the chorus, including Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), and Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), among others.
Grijalva described the campaign as “risky” and called on Biden to take responsibility for keeping the White House, while Moulton, a former presidential candidate, expressed doubts about Biden’s ability to defeat Trump.
On the other hand, Craig expressed concerns about Biden’s performance in the debate and warned that there was a narrow window of opportunity to choose a replacement, while Smith questioned Biden’s ability to effectively communicate his case to the American people.
Other prominent Democrats, including Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Rep. Pat Ryan, and Rep. Earl Blumenauer, have also urged Biden to step down, emphasizing the high stakes and the need to protect democracy.
Health Mistakes and Concerns
Biden’s recent gaffes, including confusing Vice President Kamala Harris with Donald Trump and confusing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with Russian President Vladimir Putin, have drawn criticism and raised questions about his age and clarity.
These gaffes were widely mocked online, and were exploited by Republicans to undermine his campaign.
Health concerns have also been a focal point. Biden’s personal physician, Kevin O’Connor, recently addressed allegations that he has Parkinson’s disease after a lackluster debate performance.
Furthermore, New York-based neurologist Dr. Tom Bates suggested that Biden is exhibiting “classic features of neurodegeneration” based on his public appearance.
While some prominent Democrats have refrained from taking a firm stance, others have expressed skepticism. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has publicly endorsed Biden but privately signaled he is open to an alternative. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and current House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries have remained noncommittal.
Despite the growing opposition, Biden still has solid support. Vice President Kamala Harris and potential successors like California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore have all stood by him. The Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus have also pledged their support.
As the Democratic Party grapples with its internal struggles and pressure mounts on Biden to step down, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the party’s strategy for the 2024 elections. With the stakes higher than ever, Democrats will want to present a united front capable of securing victory.