Democratic Senators Urge Biden to Withdraw from 2024 Presidential Race
Rising Concerns Among Democratic Lawmakers
Potential Impact on Upcoming Elections
In a significant political development, several Democratic senators have publicly called on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Vermont Senator Peter Welch was the first to make this bold request, citing the increasing political danger facing Democrats. Welch emphasized that states traditionally considered Democratic strongholds are now leaning toward the Republican side.
Senator Michael Bennett of Colorado echoed Welch's sentiments, expressing concern that Biden's continued candidacy might lead to a loss for both the presidency and Congress. Bennett highlighted that the White House has yet to present a convincing plan to secure victory against Donald Trump.
Proposals and Reactions from Democratic Leaders
According to sources from Axios, Senate Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has shown openness to the idea of Biden not running for re-election. Schumer has been listening to donors' suggestions on the best way forward for the Democratic Party. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also urged Biden to make a swift decision regarding his candidacy, although she stopped short of explicitly opposing his run.
The mood on Capitol Hill has been described as somber and uncertain, with private meetings among House and Senate Democrats filled with tension. Representative Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey became the seventh Democratic House member to publicly ask Biden to step aside, citing the high stakes and real threats posed by a potential second Trump term.
Internal Party Divisions and Future Implications
The internal debate within the Democratic Party has revealed a deep crisis, with many lawmakers fearing the loss of the White House and Congress. During a private House meeting, at least 20 Democratic lawmakers voiced their concerns about Biden's candidacy, with most urging him to withdraw. Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, a leader among House military veterans, has been vocal in calling for Biden to step aside.
Despite the growing calls for Biden to withdraw, some Democrats remain steadfast in their support. Representative Jerry Nadler and Representative Adriano Espaillat have publicly backed Biden, emphasizing his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the overall sentiment remains mixed, with many fearing the potential consequences of a second Trump presidency.
Senate Democrats have largely remained silent on the issue, with only a few expressing deep concern about Biden's ability to defeat Trump. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reiterated his support for Biden, while others, like Representative Jared Huffman, suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris could be a viable alternative.
- The internal debate among Democrats is not just about Biden's candidacy but also about the broader implications for the party's future. The fear of losing both the presidency and Congress is palpable, and many lawmakers are grappling with the potential consequences of a second Trump term.
- Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas highlighted the high stakes for black Americans, emphasizing that a second Trump presidency would be extremely detrimental. She stressed the importance of rallying behind Biden to prevent such an outcome.
- The historical moment for Republicans, with a former president facing federal criminal charges, adds another layer of complexity to the upcoming elections. Democrats are keenly aware of the challenges ahead and are working to solidify their strategy moving forward.
- Biden's campaign has been working to rally his most loyal supporters, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus. The president has assured them of his commitment to a second term, despite the internal pressures and calls for him to step aside.
