Democrat Sen. Peter Welch wants Biden to drop out of 2024 election.
Opinion: Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) Calls on Biden to Step Aside for Younger Nominee
In a surprising turn of events, Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) has publicly called on President Joe Biden to step aside and make way for a younger Democratic presidential nominee. This call for Biden’s withdrawal from the race comes amidst a growing discontent among some Democrats regarding his candidacy.
Welch shared his thoughts in an opinion piece published by The Washington Post, where he expressed concern over Biden’s debate performance and raised questions about his ability to defeat Donald Trump in a potential rematch.
According to Welch, “We cannot unsee President Biden’s disastrous debate performance. We cannot ignore or dismiss the valid questions raised since that night.” He acknowledged Biden’s desire to save the country from Trump once again but suggested that Biden may not be the best candidate for the job.
“For the good of the country, I’m calling on President Biden to withdraw from the race,” Welch stated emphatically.
Welch’s call for Biden’s withdrawal is not an isolated one. Retiring Rep. Earl Blumenauer (Oregon) and frontline Rep. Pat Ryan (N.Y.) also joined him in urging Biden to step aside. The list of lawmakers advocating for a change in the Democratic presidential nominee is steadily growing.
Recent polling data has added fuel to the fire, showing Trump leading in states that were once considered safe for Democrats. States like Minnesota, New Hampshire, Nevada, Arizona, and Georgia are now leaning towards the GOP, prompting concern among Democrats about Biden’s electability.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) hinted at the possibility of replacing Biden earlier in the day, further complicating the situation for the current president. Even actor and Democratic donor George Clooney weighed in on the matter, urging Biden to rethink his candidacy in a scathing op-ed published in The New York Times.
Clooney criticized Biden’s age, pointing to a fundraiser where the 81-year-old president allegedly showed signs of decline even before his lackluster debate performance. This critique challenges the Biden campaign’s assertion that his poor showing against Trump was an isolated incident.
While the calls for Biden to step aside have gained momentum within certain circles, there are still voices of support for the president. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) reiterated his full endorsement of Biden, emphasizing the importance of loyalty during challenging times.
In an interview on CNN, Fetterman emphasized, “If you really want to turn your back on the president like this, if you’re ever in a foxhole, that’s never made better if you start to panic.” His unwavering support underscores the divide within the Democratic Party regarding Biden’s candidacy.
As the debate over Biden’s future continues to unfold, the Democratic Party faces a critical decision about its path forward. Will Biden heed the calls for his withdrawal and pave the way for a younger nominee, as suggested by Sen. Welch and others? Or will he defy the odds and rally support to prove his critics wrong?
Only time will tell how this political drama plays out, but one thing is certain – the 2024 election season is already shaping up to be a tumultuous one for the Democratic Party.
