A Democratic senator has become the first in Congress to call for President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race, citing concerns over his fitness and the potential for another Trump presidency. Senator Peter Welch of Vermont penned an op-ed for the Washington Post, expressing his worry about Biden’s age and capacity to win the election.
Welch, who previously avoided answering questions about his support for Biden as the nominee, laid out his concerns in a detailed essay. He acknowledged Biden’s accomplishments as president but expressed concern about his ability to win in November. The senator highlighted recent polling data showing a shift in key states, previously considered safe for Democrats, as a cause for alarm.
Welch’s call for Biden to step aside comes amidst growing unease among Democrats about Biden’s recent performance and the tightening polls. In particular, Biden’s performance in the recent debate has raised questions about his mental acuity and his ability to handle the demands of the presidency.
The senator’s op-ed follows comments from another Democratic senator, Michael Bennet of Colorado, who expressed similar concerns during a caucus meeting. Bennet, who is seeking re-election, told his colleagues he did not believe Biden could defeat Trump in a head-to-head race.
In the wake of these concerns, Democratic senators will be meeting with top Biden campaign advisers on Thursday. The meeting will be an opportunity for senators to discuss their concerns about the race and for campaign officials to present their strategy for moving forward.
While Welch is the first senator to publicly call for Biden to withdraw, his concerns echo those of many Democrats who are privately worried about the direction of the race. With the election approaching, the pressure on Biden to address these concerns will continue to mount.
