Was Joe Biden forced to quit US Presidential Election 2024 race by Democrats?
In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden has announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 US Presidential race, citing the best interests of his party and the nation. This move follows mounting pressure from within his own party, particularly after a challenging debate performance against former President Donald Trump in June.
Biden’s Decision Amidst Growing Pressure
President Biden, who has been recovering from COVID-19 at his Delaware home, has faced increasing scrutiny regarding his age and mental sharpness. His performance in a debate against Trump reportedly intensified concerns among Democrats about his viability in the upcoming elections.
In his statement, Biden emphasized, “It is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down.” This declaration has stirred significant discussions about the influence of internal party dynamics on his decision.
Calls for Withdrawal from Democratic Leaders
According to Reuters, a notable fraction of Democrats in Congress—32 out of 264—had publicly urged Biden to exit the race. This public dissent was accompanied by behind-the-scenes pressure from senior party leaders who were reportedly concerned about the implications of his candidacy on the party’s future, as per sources quoted in the Reuters report.
Representative Zoe Lofgren, a prominent Democrat and ally of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was among those vocal in their calls for Biden’s withdrawal. Lofgren warned that Biden’s candidacy could jeopardize the party’s chances in the November 5 election, potentially affecting crucial House and Senate races. “Your candidacy is on a trajectory to lose the White House and potentially impact crucial House and Senate races down ballot. It is for these reasons that I urge you to step aside,”Lofgren stated.
Pelosi’s Influence
While Pelosi has not publicly advocated for Biden to withdraw, sources indicate that she has privately expressed doubts about his ability to win. Pelosi, a key figure in the Democratic Party, had reportedly conveyed her concerns to Biden, contributing to the growing internal pressure on him, as mentioned in the Reuters report.
Public Campaigns and Media Pressure
The pressure on Biden was not confined to private conversations and political maneuvering. A Democratic group named Pass the Torch launched a series of TV ads urging Joe Biden to leave the Presidential race. These ads, while explicitly urged him to step down, showed the extent of the discontent within the party.
What’s next for the Democrats?
Biden’s withdrawal has significant implications for the 2024 US Presidential race. The Democratic Party now faces the challenge of finding a viable replacement who can effectively compete against the Republican candidates, particularly in light of concerns about a potential Republican sweep that could consolidate Trump’s influence across the White House and Congress.
