Top House representative urges Biden to withdraw from presidential bid
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Congressman Adam Smith describes Kamala Harris as "a much better, stronger candidate" than Biden.
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Rep. Adam Smith speaks in a meeting of the House Committee on Rules at the US Capitol on July 12, 2022. (AFP)
Congressman Adam Smith, a top-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives, called on Joe Biden to withdraw his candidacy on Monday for the upcoming United States presidential elections, following the current president's faltered performance in the first debate.
"The president’s performance in the debate was alarming to watch and the American people have made it clear they no longer see him as a credible candidate to serve four more years as president," Smith said in a statement.
The congressman's appeal came as a response to Biden's rejection of the Democratic Party's letter urging him to step down, as well as his determination to continue his candidacy in an unscheduled phone interview on the Morning Joe show.
The president also blamed his current state on Democratic officials.
Following the presidential debate, an opinion poll revealed that 60% of voters want Biden to withdraw his nomination due to his inability to be an effective candidate and president for another term, a point Smith stressed.
“Personally, I think Kamala Harris [the vice-president] would be a much better, stronger candidate,” Smith said in an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, adding that Biden was "not the best person to carry the Democratic message."
Smith indirectly criticized his Democratic colleagues who disregarded Biden's performance at the debate as "one bad night." However, the House representative reiterated his support for the President should he continue his candidacy.
Congressman Smith joins multiple Democrats in calling for Biden's withdrawal, ultimately causing significant harm to the President's campaign and, potentially, the upcoming NATO summit this week.
NATO's heads of government and state will convene in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, placing Biden under an international spotlight, especially since he is set to appear in a rare press conference on Thursday. He will be closely monitored for any additional gaffes or signs of cognitive decline that may further damage his candidacy.
In a recent interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos, Biden emphasized his role in leading US military aid to Ukraine and expanding NATO membership as essential qualifications to continue as the Democrats' nominee and be re-elected as president of the country.
25 House Democrats preparing to call for Biden to step aside
Some elected Democrats who support President Joe Biden raised new concerns last week about his campaign for re-election in 2024, with one suggesting he should consider stepping down. This marks a change after many had previously defended him following his uncertain performance in last week's debate.
According to Democrats and political strategists, the decision whether Biden proceeds with his 2024 presidential bid, following his less-than-stellar debate against Republican candidate Donald Trump, largely rests with him.
Some donors are urging Biden to consider stepping down, and other Democrats are openly expressing concerns that he may not be capable of defeating Trump in November.
According to one House Democratic aide, 25 Democratic members of the House of Representatives are ready to call for Biden to step aside if his performance continues to falter in the coming days. Another House Democratic aide mentioned that moderate Democrats in competitive districts, often referred to as "frontliners", are facing intense scrutiny and questions from their constituents this week.
After the debate, a Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that one-third of Democrats believe Biden should halt his re-election campaign. US Representative Lloyd Doggett became the initial congressional Democrat to advocate for Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race last Tuesday. In an interview for NBC News, he expressed his wish for other Democratic legislators to join him in this stance.
Biden's challenges have extended beyond his immediate advisors, with some US officials accusing him of being complicit in the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza. This reflects growing criticism within political circles regarding US foreign policy and its implications for the ongoing war on Gaza.
