Recently, a growing number of Democratic lawmakers are voicing their concerns about President Joe Biden’s reelection bid. California Rep. Mark Takano has publicly urged President Biden to drop out of the race against former President Donald Trump and instead allow Vice President Kamala Harris to take the lead. Takano’s statement marks him as the thirty-sixth Democrat on Capitol Hill to call on Biden to step aside. This movement comes in the wake of multiple private discussions among Democratic committee ranking members expressing doubts about Biden’s ability to secure victory in November.
In Takano’s view, President Biden’s greatest accomplishment was saving democracy in 2020. He believes that Biden can repeat this feat by passing the torch to Vice President Harris for the upcoming 2024 election. According to Takano, the demands of the modern campaign are best met by Vice President Harris, who can seamlessly transition into the role of the Democratic Party’s standard-bearer. He is not alone in this sentiment, as many within the party see Harris as the rightful heir to the top of the ticket, especially given the substantial campaign war chest of at least $91 million.
The recent rumblings within the Democratic Party reflect broader concerns about Biden’s age and his ability to compete against Trump. Since a notable debate stumble on June 27, doubts have been mounting about Biden’s performance on the campaign trail. Despite his defiant stance on staying in the race, dozens of Democratic lawmakers, donors, and strategists have called for Biden to withdraw. Even some of his closest allies, such as former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have remained neutral on the matter, opting to support Biden’s decisions.
The current situation is further complicated by President Biden’s health condition, as he is currently isolating with Covid in Rehoboth Beach, Del. Despite the mounting pressure to drop out, the Biden campaign has vowed to continue and reject any calls for withdrawal. Campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler reiterated that Biden is expected to resume campaigning vigorously once he recovers. Biden recently completed his sixth round of antiviral Covid treatment and is steadily recovering, according to his doctor, Kevin O’Connor.
In the absence of President Biden on the campaign trail, Vice President Harris has taken on the responsibility of promoting the campaign’s message. She has participated in fundraisers and calls with Democratic donors, reaffirming her support for Biden and emphasizing their shared commitment to putting the American people first. While the rift within the Democratic Party widens, Harris remains steadfast in her dedication to winning the election alongside President Biden.
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