Rep. Adam Schiff, a leading Democrat and current candidate for Senate in California, has made a surprising and significant call for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Schiff, who has built a reputation as a prominent figure within the Democratic Party, emphasized that it is time for Biden to "pass the torch" to ensure a stronger chance of defeating former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
"Joe Biden has been one of the most consequential presidents in our nation's history, and his lifetime of service as a Senator, a Vice President, and now as President has made our country better," Schiff said in a statement. "But our nation is at a crossroads. A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about whether the President can defeat Donald Trump in November."
This sentiment echoes the growing apprehension among some Democrats regarding Biden's ability to secure a victory against Trump. Schiff's statement comes in the wake of a lackluster debate performance by Biden in June, which further fueled doubts about his candidacy. Despite Biden's insistence on continuing his campaign, influential figures like Schiff are beginning to voice their concerns more openly.
Schiff's call for Biden to step aside is particularly noteworthy given his close ties to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi, who appointed Schiff to lead the House impeachment managers in Trump's first impeachment trial and to serve on the committee investigating the January 6th attack, has also hinted at the possibility of a different nominee. While Biden remains steadfast in his decision to run, Pelosi has suggested that he needs to make a swift decision about his future.
"While the choice to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden's alone, I believe it is time for him to pass the torch," Schiff continued. "And in doing so, secure his legacy of leadership by allowing us to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election."
The significance of Schiff's statement is underscored by his prominence within the Democratic Party. His influence and standing make his call for Biden to withdraw a potential catalyst for other Democrats to follow suit. Schiff assured that he would fully support a potential replacement for Biden if the President were to step down.
During a recent interview on NBC News' "Meet the Press," Schiff expressed confidence in Vice President Kamala Harris's ability to lead, suggesting that she could win overwhelmingly if Biden were to step aside. Schiff described Harris as a "phenomenal president" and a strong contender.
In response to Schiff's statement, the Biden campaign highlighted the support from various Democratic lawmakers, including prominent Black leaders such as Rep. Jim Clyburn and Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford. These endorsements underscore the ongoing backing Biden enjoys from key segments of the Democratic Party.
Schiff's appeal to Biden comes shortly after an assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania, an incident that has added further tension to the political landscape. Despite the heightened security concerns and the pressure from within his party, Biden remains committed to his campaign. In an interview with NBC News anchor Lester Holt, Biden stated, "I'm not going anywhere" and emphasized his mental acuity, responding to concerns raised about his debate performance.
