(TheRedAlertNews.com) – In a surprise development, the United States Congress has just been jolted by a call issued by a sitting House Democrat for President Joe Biden to give up his role as the party’s presumptive presidential nominee and quit the 2024 election race.
US Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) made the declaration in favor of Biden’s withdrawal following the repercussions of last week’s debate, The New York Post reports.
Doggett, 77, commended Biden’s tenure as commander-in-chief, yet articulated concerns, suggesting that “many Americans have indicated dissatisfaction with their choices in this election” and hinted that maintaining Biden as the party’s candidate might enhance Donald Trump’s prospects of reclaiming the presidency.
“I represent the heart of a congressional district once represented by Lyndon Johnson. Under very different circumstances, he made the painful decision to withdraw. President Biden should do the same,” the Democrat legislator declared.
In historical context, Johnson, amidst widespread discontent over the Vietnam War in 1968, chose not to pursue the Democratic nomination, leading to a contentious primary and convention in Chicago.
This event ultimately led to then-Vice President Hubert Humphrey securing the nomination, who subsequently was defeated by Republican Richard Nixon.
“My decision to make these strong reservations public is not done lightly nor does it in any way diminish my respect for all that President Biden has achieved. Recognizing that, unlike Trump, President Biden’s first commitment has always been to our country, not himself, I am hopeful that he will make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw,” Doggett emphasized.
Despite his hopes, Doggett acknowledged that the debate did not provide the anticipated impetus for change, stating simply, “It did not.”
An increasing number of Democrats have voiced their apprehensions following Biden’s debate performance, where he notably struggled with maintaining his train of thought.
Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), a pivotal ally and supporter of Biden, expressed on Tuesday his support for Vice President Kamala Harris should Biden withdraw, though he voiced a preference for maintaining the current “Biden-Harris” ticket for 2024.
Clyburn noted, “I will support her if he were to step aside,” recalling how his endorsement significantly contributed to Biden’s success in the pivotal South Carolina Democratic primary in 2020.
The discussion around Biden’s suitability due to his age intensified post-debate, with Democratic concerns about his capability for office escalating significantly.
“Our overriding consideration must be who has the best hope of saving our democracy from an authoritarian takeover by a criminal and his gang. Too much is at stake to risk a Trump victory — too great a risk to assume that what could not be turned around in a year, what was not turned around in the debate, can be turned around now,” Doggett remarked.
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