Growing Number of Democrats Call for Biden to End Re-election CampaignGrowing Number of Democrats Call for Biden to End Re-election Campaign By Moira Warburton WASHINGTON, D.C. – Several Democrats in the U.S. Congress are urging President Joe Biden to withdraw from his re-election bid following his weaker performance in debates against Republican rival Donald Trump. Lawmakers who have publicly called for Biden’s resignation include: Representative Lloyd Doggett (TX) * First Democrat to call for Biden’s resignation * Cited Biden’s trails in key states and polls Representative Raul Grijalva (AZ) * “If he is the nominee, I will support him, but I think this is an opportunity to look elsewhere.” Representative Mike Quigley (IL) * “He should step aside and let someone else do this” * Warned of “total catastrophe” if Biden remains candidate Representative Angie Craig (MN) * First incumbent from a highly competitive district to call for Biden’s resignation * Raised concerns about Biden’s performance in debates Background: The calls for Biden’s withdrawal stem from concerns over his age and perceived lack of energy, as well as his poor showing in debates against Trump. The 81-year-old president has struggled to maintain his focus and has made several gaffes during public appearances. Impact: The public statements from these Democratic lawmakers could further erode Biden’s support and make it more difficult for him to secure the nomination or win re-election. The Democratic Party may need to consider alternative candidates if Biden decides to remain in the race.
By Moira Warburton
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A growing number of Democrats in the U.S. Congress are calling on Democratic President Joe Biden to end his re-election campaign after the 81-year-old incumbent underperformed in debates against Republican rival Donald Trump.
Below is a list of lawmakers who have openly called for Biden not to be re-elected.
REPRESENTATIVE LLOYD DOGGETT
Doggett, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from a safely Democratic district in Texas, was the first Democrat in Congress to call for Biden’s resignation.
“President Biden remains significantly behind Democratic senators in key states and trails Donald Trump in most polls,” Doggett said in a statement. “I had hoped the debate would provide some momentum to change that. It didn’t.”
REPRESENTATIVE RAUL GRIJALVA
Grijalva, a liberal who represents a southern Arizona district along the border with Mexico, told The New York Times it was time for Biden to end his campaign, saying, “If he is the nominee, I will support him, but I think this is an opportunity to look elsewhere.”
REPRESENTATIVE MIKE QUIGLEY
Quigley, a moderate from Illinois, told MSNBC that Biden should step aside and “let someone else do this” or risk “total catastrophe.”
REPRESENTATIVE ANGIE CRAIG
Craig, whose district is seen as a top priority for Republicans to win back in November, was the first incumbent from a highly competitive district to call for Biden’s resignation.
“Given what I saw and heard from the president at last week’s debate in Atlanta, coupled with the lack of a strong response from the president himself after that debate, I do not believe the president can campaign effectively and win against Donald Trump,” Craig said.
(Reporting by Moira Warburton; Editing by Scott Malone and Lisa Shumaker)
