In a significant political development, prominent Democrats are calling for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race following a press conference riddled with errors. During the event, Biden mistakenly referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” and Vice President Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump.”
The calls began with Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. Himes praised Biden’s public service but expressed concern over his ability to confront the threat posed by Donald Trump’s “promised MAGA authoritarianism.”
“I hope that, as he has throughout a lifetime of public service, he will continue to put our nation first and, as he promised, make way for a new generation of leaders,” Himes stated.
Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA) echoed Himes’ sentiments, saying, “Today I ask President Biden to withdraw from the presidential campaign. The stakes are high, and we are on a losing course.”
Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL) also joined the chorus, urging Biden to step aside and “put country over party” once again.
The press conference, held on Thursday night, aimed to highlight Biden’s achievements at the NATO summit. However, it was overshadowed by his verbal missteps, raising questions about his cognitive abilities and suitability for re-election.
Despite these growing calls for his withdrawal, Biden remains steadfast in his decision to run. “I’m determined on running, but I think it’s important that I allay fears by letting them see me out there,” he asserted.
As the Democratic Party grapples with internal divisions and mounting pressure from lawmakers and donors, the future of Biden’s candidacy hangs in the balance. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has reportedly advised Democrats to prioritize their re-election, even if it means distancing themselves from Biden.
The Democratic Party must navigate these challenges as they prepare for a contentious election against Donald Trump. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.