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President Biden is confronting doubts from within the Democratic Party about whether he should continue to run for reelection following his faltering performance in the first presidential debate.
More than a dozen congressional Democrats have publicly called for him to exit the race. At least four other Democratic lawmakers said during an off-the-record call Sunday with House leadership that they believe Biden should step aside, according to people familiar with the discussion. One of the four, Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), went public with his views on Monday. The Washington Post is tracking which congressional Democrats call on Biden to drop out as the party weighs whether he belongs at the top of the ticket.
Many Democrats have rallied behind Biden, however, even as others have raised concerns about hisfitness as a candidate or ability to defeat Donald Trump. The Post is no longer updating this page with comments from Democrats who have been critical of Biden, focusing instead on those who have explicitly said Biden should not be the nominee.
Why these Democrats want Biden to step aside
Rep. Eric Sorensen Ill. 17th
Jul. 11
“Every day, I remain committed to the people of Central & Northwestern Illinois. I believe our best days are still ahead. And today, I am hopeful President Biden will step aside in his campaign for President.”
Rep. Scott Peters Calif. 50th
Jul. 11
“Today I ask President Biden to withdraw from the presidential campaign. The stakes are high, and we are on a losing course. My conscience requires me to speak up and put loyalty to the country and to democracy ahead of my great affection for, and loyalty to, the President and those around him.”
“It has been the honor of my career to work with him on the achievements that secured his remarkable legacy in American history. It is because of those traits, and in consideration of that legacy, that I hope President Biden will step away from the presidential campaign.”
“I do not believe President Biden should continue his candidacy for re-election as President. This has nothing to do with his character and record. If it did, there would be no decision to make. This is solely about the future, about the President’s ability to continue in the most difficult job in the world for another four-year term.”
“For the sake of American democracy, and to continue to make progress on our shared priorities, I believe it is time for the President to step aside as our nominee.”
Rep. Bradley Schneider Ill. 10th
Jul. 11
“I love President Biden. I am forever grateful for his leadership and service to our nation. The time has come, however, for President Biden to heroically pass the torch to a new generation of leadership to guide us to the future he has enabled and empowered us to pursue.”
Rep. Hillary J. Scholten Mich. 3rd
Jul. 11
“We must have a standard bearer who will fight morning, noon, and night for our civil and voting rights and unite the free world against the rising tide of authoritarianism. Joe Biden has been that leader for so long; but this is not about the past, it’s about the future. It’s time to pass the torch.”
“We cannot unsee President Biden’s disastrous debate performance. We cannot ignore or dismiss the valid questions raised since that night. … I’m calling on President Biden to withdraw from the race.”
Rep. Earl Blumenauer Ore. 3rd
Jul. 10
“While this is a decision for the president and the first lady, I hope they will come to the conclusion that I and others have: President Biden should not be the Democratic presidential nominee.” Said in an emailed statement.
“For the good of our country, for my two young kids, I’m asking Joe Biden to step aside in the upcoming election and deliver on the promise to be a bridge to a new generation of leaders,” Ryan told the New York Times.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill N.J. 11th
Jul. 9
“[B]ecause I know President Biden cares deeply about the future of our country, I am asking that he declare that he won’t run for reelection and will help lead us through a process toward a new nominee.”
Rep. Joseph Morelle N.Y. 25th
Jul. 7
Four House Democrats said during a leadership call Sunday that President Biden should drop his reelection bid, three people on the call told The Washington Post’s Capitol Hill team. Morelle was one of the four Democrats.
Rep. Jerry Nadler N.Y. 12th
Jul. 7
Four House Democrats said during a leadership call Sunday that President Biden should drop his reelection bid, three people on the call told The Washington Post’s Capitol Hill team. Nadler was one of the four Democrats.
Rep. Adam Smith Wash. 9th
Jul. 7
“I think he should step aside. I think it’s become clear he’s not the best person to carry the Democratic message.” Smith went public with his call for Biden to drop out after he and three other Democratic lawmakers told Democratic House leaders in a closed-door meeting that they wanted Biden to step aside.
Rep. Mark Takano Calif. 39th
Jul. 7
Four House Democrats said during a leadership call Sunday that President Biden should drop his reelection bid, three people on the call told The Washington Post’s Capitol Hill team. A person familiar with the call said Takano was one of the Democrats.
