Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, has become the first congressional Democrat to call for President Joe Biden to withdraw from his re-election bid. This follows a widely criticized debate performance that has raised doubts about Biden's ability to effectively campaign against former President Donald Trump.
Biden, 81, stumbled through the debate, at times losing his train of thought and struggling to defend his record. Despite his insistence on staying in the race, some Democrats and donors are urging him to step aside in favor of a new party leader. At a fundraising event in McLean, Va., Biden attributed his poor performance to a grueling travel schedule, quipping that he "nearly fell asleep on stage."
The President is set to meet with Democratic governors and congressional leaders to address the growing concerns within the party. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre defended Biden, attributing his debate difficulties to a cold and a bad night, and dismissed speculation about any serious health issues.
Doggett's statement underscored the urgency felt by some Democrats. "Instead of reassuring voters, the president failed to effectively defend his many accomplishments and expose Trump's many lies," Doggett said. He added that Biden's trailing position in most polls had not improved following the debate, leading him to call for Biden to consider stepping aside.
High-profile Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, have publicly defended Biden, but there is a noticeable shift in tone. Pelosi acknowledged that concerns about Biden's performance are legitimate and should be addressed, reflecting a growing openness among party leaders to discuss the president's future candidacy.
Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., expressed concerns about the impact on down-ballot races, emphasizing that Biden's decision would affect the composition of Congress and the political landscape for years to come. Other Democrats, such as Maine Rep. Jared Golden and Washington Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, have openly stated that they believe Trump will win in 2024, further highlighting the internal discord within the party.
Golden's op-ed in the Bangor Daily News dismissed the notion that a Trump victory would be a unique threat to democracy, contrasting with the prevalent narrative among Democrats. This sentiment is echoed by other party members who are increasingly vocal about their concerns regarding Biden's viability as the nominee.
The fallout from Biden's debate performance has been compounded by a recent Supreme Court ruling granting broad immunity protections to presidents. This ruling, which complicates efforts to prosecute Trump, has intensified the urgency among Democrats to reassess Biden's candidacy. Some believe that the ruling makes Trump even more dangerous and underscores the need for a strong Democratic candidate.
Despite the mounting pressure, Biden remains defiant. His campaign has been attempting to reassure supporters and donors, emphasizing that Biden has overcome similar challenges in the past. Delaware Sen. Chris Coons, a close Biden ally, has called for more public appearances and interviews to counter the narrative of Biden being too old and incompetent for the job.
However, the campaign's internal dynamics are strained. There is a growing recognition among Biden's advisers of the anger and concern within the party. The campaign's strategy includes a more robust travel schedule and high-profile interviews to demonstrate Biden's fitness for office.
Even staunch supporters are beginning to question Biden's ability to continue. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse has called for a fuller accounting of the president's health, reflecting broader concerns about Biden's capacity to endure another term.
The Biden campaign is working to assess the true impact of the debate among voters in key battleground states. The results of this assessment will be crucial in determining the future direction of Biden's campaign. Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee is preparing for the possibility of needing a new ticket, with various governors and lawmakers on standby.
