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Growing Calls for Joe Biden to Withdraw from 2024 Presidential Race
In a developing story, a growing number of Democratic lawmakers have called for Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, citing concerns over his age and fitness for office. This comes as the 81-year-old president faces a tough re-election campaign against former President Donald Trump.
Joint Statement by House Members
Four US House members, including Jared Huffman, Mark Pocan, Chuy Garcia, and Marc Veasey, released a joint statement on Friday morning, calling on Biden to "pass the torch to a new generation of Democratic leaders." The lawmakers emphasized that widespread public concerns about Biden’s age and fitness are jeopardizing his campaign.
Additional Support from Senate Colleagues
New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich became the third Democratic member of the upper chamber to urge Biden to drop out, joining Jon Tester of Montana and Vermont’s Peter Welch. Heinrich stated that the country needs a focus that is bigger than any one person, and that it is in the best interests of the country for Biden to end his campaign.
Biden’s Response
Despite the growing pressure, Biden remains committed to his re-election bid. In a statement, he expressed his determination to continue exposing Trump’s "Project 2025 agenda" and to get back on the campaign trail next week.
White House Doctor’s Update
Biden has been isolating at his holiday home in Delaware since testing positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday. According to White House doctor Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s symptoms have "improved meaningfully," and he will continue taking the antiviral drug Paxlovid.
Pressure from Party Leaders and Donors
Democratic party grandees, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and megadonors, have also been applying pressure on Biden behind the scenes. The Financial Times reported on Thursday that donors and senior party operatives believe Biden is very close to a decision to exit the race.
Megadonor’s Call for Biden to Step Aside
Michael Moritz, a venture capitalist and Democrat megadonor, called on Biden to step aside, saying the president had a choice between "vanity or virtue." Moritz emphasized that Biden’s attempts to hold on for a second term risk damaging the country.
Senator Chris Coons’ Assessment
Senator Chris Coons, a close Biden ally, said on Friday that the president is getting the necessary advice to make a decision about his political future. Coons acknowledged the unease within the Democratic party, saying: "There is a lot of concern and anxiety because the stakes are so significant."
Trump’s Campaign
Trump formally accepted the Republican party’s nomination for president on Thursday, just days after a narrow escape from assassination in Pennsylvania. The former president has surged ahead of Biden in the polls, building a lead across the crucial swing states that will decide November’s vote.
Conclusion
The growing pressure on Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race highlights the challenging environment he faces in his re-election campaign. As the Democratic party grapples with the implications of a Biden exit, it remains to be seen how the party will respond to this new development.
FAQs
Q: Who has called for Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race?
A: Over 30 members of Congress, including Senators Martin Heinrich, Jon Tester, and Peter Welch, as well as four House members, have called for Biden to drop out.
Q: What are the concerns about Joe Biden’s age and fitness for office?
A: Public concerns about Biden’s age and fitness have been raised due to his recent debate performance against Trump and his apparent struggle to ascend a staircase into Air Force One after testing positive for Covid-19.
Q: What is the impact of Biden’s withdrawal on the Democratic party?
A: A Biden exit could lead to a new split within the party, as some Democrats, including progressives, have rallied around the president. However, others believe that a new candidate could unify the party and improve its chances in November.
Q: Who is leading the polls for the 2024 presidential election?
A: Trump has surged ahead of Biden in the polls, building a lead across the crucial swing states that will decide November’s vote.
Q: What is the significance of the Democratic party’s nomination process?
A: The Democratic party’s nomination process is critical in determining the party’s candidate for president and its chances in the November election.
Author: www.ft.com
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