President Joe Biden's debate performance on July 5, 2024, and his subsequent lackluster response have raised concerns among some Democrats, leading several representatives to call for his withdrawal from the presidential race. Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) was the latest to join this group, expressing her belief that Biden cannot effectively campaign against former President Donald Trump due to his debate stumbles and lack of a forceful response.
Craig's statement came after Biden met with Democratic governors on July 6, 2024, in an attempt to quell concerns about his fitness for a second term. However, her call for Biden to step aside as the Democratic nominee was followed by Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), who was the first House Democrat to make such a request.
Other representatives, including Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), and Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), have also urged Biden to consider stepping down. These lawmakers believe that allowing a new generation of leaders to step forward is crucial for the future of the Democratic Party and the country as a whole.
Despite these calls, Biden has remained steadfast in his determination to stay in the race. He has vowed not to be forced out by anyone, including those within his own party. However, concerns about his debate performance and fitness for office continue to mount among Democrats and voters alike.
It is important to note that these calls for Biden's withdrawal are based on the perception of his debate performance and subsequent response. While some may argue that this is a valid reason for concern, others believe that Biden remains a strong candidate with the ability to effectively campaign against Trump.
In addition to concerns about Biden's debate performance, there have been reports of false claims made during the debate. For instance, Biden falsely claimed that no U.S. troops have died on his watch.
As Democrats navigate these challenges and work to rebuild trust in rural America, it remains to be seen how the fallout from the presidential debate will impact their efforts moving forward.