House Democrats have become the first members of their party to publicly call on US President Joe Biden to step down as the Democratic presidential nominee, citing his debate performance as a failure to “effectively defend his many accomplishments.”
Rep. Lloyd Doggett, R-Texas, said in a statement Tuesday that Biden “must make the painful and difficult decision to step back.”
“My decision to publicly express these strong concerns was not made lightly and does not in any way diminish my respect for all that President Biden has accomplished,” Doggett said.
“Unlike President Trump, President Biden knows his first commitment will always be to our country, not himself, and I expect him to make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw.”
“I respectfully ask him to do so.”
Joe Biden and President Donald Trump, left, stand during a break in the June 27 presidential debate, during which Biden delivered a choppy performance (John Bazemore/Associated Press)
Biden’s weak performance caused instant panic even among his most ardent supporters, leading many to question whether the 81-year-old politician was the strongest Democratic candidate to challenge presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in November.
In addition to the White House, control of both houses of Congress is also at stake in November, with Democrats having to defend many more Senate seats than Republicans.
Doggett’s comments came minutes after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told MSNBC on Tuesday that it was a “legitimate question” whether Biden’s awkward performance was “just a one-off or whether he’s sick.”
“It’s fair for people to ask that question of either nominee,” Pelosi said.
Pelosi said she hadn’t spoken to Biden since the debate but stressed that the president is “in top shape in terms of understanding the issues and what’s at stake.”
