A growing wave of congressional Democrats and former national security officials are urging President Joe Biden to step down from the 2024 presidential race. On Friday afternoon, 34 Democratic lawmakers publicly called on Biden to reconsider his candidacy. Biden’s campaign co-chair said the president is considering who would be the strongest candidate to uphold Democratic values and win in November.
In addition, more than 50 former U.S. national and foreign security officials, including Anthony Lake, former national security adviser under President Bill Clinton, have also advised Biden to end his campaign. They have expressed concerns about Biden’s ability to secure a victory against Donald Trump, potentially jeopardizing Biden’s record and national security legacy.
The group stressed that Trump’s approach to national security fundamentally opposes the principles espoused by Biden. “We firmly believe that the time has come to pass the baton of leadership and respectfully urge you to do so,” they wrote.
More than 14% of House Democrats currently support a different candidate to challenge Trump, the GOP nominee, in November. On Friday, 10 House Democrats and Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico joined the call for Biden to withdraw.
Sen. Chris Coons, Biden’s campaign co-chair, noted that Biden is listening to feedback from colleagues and the public. That contrasts with Coons’ previous statements defending Biden after a lackluster performance in the June 27 debate against Trump, where concerns were raised about Biden’s cognitive abilities.
Despite growing calls to withdraw, Biden’s campaign remains steadfast. Jen O’Malley Dillon, another campaign manager, reiterated Biden’s commitment to winning the race and securing a second term.
Biden, currently isolated at his Delaware beach house due to a COVID-19 infection, issued a statement expressing his eagerness to return to the campaign trail. He stressed the importance of defeating Trump and defending his record and vision for America.
However, sources indicate that Biden’s family has discussed the possibility of him withdrawing from the race. To date, more than 30 Democratic congressmen and three senators have urged Biden to step aside. Notably, Senators Jon Tester of Montana and Peter Welch of Vermont have joined Heinrich on the call.
On the other hand, Biden has received significant support from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus political action committee, which has pledged to mobilize its community to support Biden’s re-election.
