Senator Peter Welch of Vermont has made headlines as the first Democratic senator to publicly urge President Joe Biden to abandon his reelection campaign. In an op-ed published by The Washington Post, Welch expressed significant concerns about Biden's ability to secure a second term and effectively govern, citing the president’s lackluster performance in a recent debate against former President Donald Trump.
Welch’s call for Biden to step aside is part of a growing chorus within the Democratic Party. Several prominent Democrats have raised doubts about Biden's candidacy following his debate performance, which many viewed as troubling. These concerns have fueled discussions about the need for new leadership ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
No offense to Sen. Welch, but why is it that it’s the lawmakers we’ve never heard of that have to break rank first??
Peter Welch becomes first senator to call for Biden to step aside https://t.co/lFkPZfpldh
— John E. Palmer / We need voting system reforms now (@ElectBetterUSA) July 11, 2024
Among the voices joining Welch are House Democrats like Representatives Lloyd Doggett of Texas and Raúl Grijalva of Arizona, who have also publicly called for Biden to withdraw. Doggett, the first to make such a statement, emphasized Biden’s commendable service but stressed the necessity for the president to make a "painful and difficult decision" to step down for the good of the country.
The pressure on Biden intensified over the Fourth of July weekend, as he faced mounting criticism from both within his party and among Democratic donors. Reports indicate that even former President Barack Obama has privately acknowledged the challenges Biden faces in securing reelection.
Vermont Sen. Peter Welch calls on Biden to withdraw from presidential race https://t.co/ZrKglBw4R1 pic.twitter.com/k2XcE5GWmA
— Vermont Public (@vermontpublic) July 11, 2024
This internal party conflict has led to high-stakes meetings between Biden and key Democratic governors and lawmakers. Governors like Gavin Newsom of California and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan have rallied behind Biden, yet the overall sentiment within the party remains divided. Many Democrats are concerned that Biden’s continued candidacy might jeopardize their chances in the 2024 elections.
Polling data reflects these concerns, with recent surveys showing Biden trailing Trump in key metrics. A New York Times/Siena College poll revealed a six-point lead for Trump over Biden, with a significant portion of voters citing Biden’s age as a critical factor in their lack of confidence in his leadership.
Despite the growing discontent, the Biden campaign remains steadfast. White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez have been working to bolster staff morale and reaffirm the president's commitment to his campaign. However, the road ahead looks challenging as more Democrats openly express their doubts about Biden’s viability as a candidate.
The debate over Biden’s reelection bid highlights a broader struggle within the Democratic Party as it grapples with leadership and the need to present a strong contender against Trump in 2024. With Senator Welch’s call to action, the pressure on Biden to reconsider his candidacy is likely to continue escalating in the coming months.
