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| The Democrats who have called on Joe Biden to step down | The Democrats who have called on Joe Biden to step down |
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| A growing number of Democratic officials have publicly called for Biden to quit, or reportedly done so in private | A growing number of Democratic officials have publicly called for Biden to quit, or reportedly done so in private |
| After Joe Biden’s disastrous performance in his first debate against Donald Trump supercharged concerns about his age and fitness for office, the president is facing calls from 19 members of Congress to stand down as the Democratic nominee this November. | |
| Biden has pushed back hard, telling MSNBC that “elites in the party” were behind calls for him to quit, claiming strong support from actual voters, and challenging doubters in his own party to “run against me. Go ahead. Announce for president – challenge me at the convention!” | Biden has pushed back hard, telling MSNBC that “elites in the party” were behind calls for him to quit, claiming strong support from actual voters, and challenging doubters in his own party to “run against me. Go ahead. Announce for president – challenge me at the convention!” |
| Nobody has gone that far yet, but a growing number of elected Democratic officials have either publicly called for Biden to quit or reportedly done so in private. Here they are: | Nobody has gone that far yet, but a growing number of elected Democratic officials have either publicly called for Biden to quit or reportedly done so in private. Here they are: |
| Lloyd Doggett (Texas) | Lloyd Doggett (Texas) |
| The Texas congressman veteran was first out of the gate, saying last week: “Recognising that, unlike [Donald] Trump, President Biden’s first commitment has always been to our country, not himself, I am hopeful that he will make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw. I respectfully call on him to do so.” | The Texas congressman veteran was first out of the gate, saying last week: “Recognising that, unlike [Donald] Trump, President Biden’s first commitment has always been to our country, not himself, I am hopeful that he will make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw. I respectfully call on him to do so.” |
| Raúl Grijalva (Arizona) | Raúl Grijalva (Arizona) |
| A senior progressive congressman from a battleground state, Grijalva has sway in his party. Following Doggett, the 76-year-old told the New York Times: “What [Biden] needs to do is shoulder the responsibility for keeping that seat – and part of that responsibility is to get out of this race.” Grijalva also said Democrats “have to win this race, and we have to hold the House and hold the Senate”, because if not, the party’s achievements under Biden would “go down the sewer”. | A senior progressive congressman from a battleground state, Grijalva has sway in his party. Following Doggett, the 76-year-old told the New York Times: “What [Biden] needs to do is shoulder the responsibility for keeping that seat – and part of that responsibility is to get out of this race.” Grijalva also said Democrats “have to win this race, and we have to hold the House and hold the Senate”, because if not, the party’s achievements under Biden would “go down the sewer”. |
| Seth Moulton (Massachusetts) | Seth Moulton (Massachusetts) |
| The former US marine and congressman, who briefly challenged Biden for the nomination in 2020, told a Boston radio station: “President Biden has done enormous service to our country, but now is the time for him to follow in one of our founding father George Washington’s footsteps and step aside to let new leaders rise up.” Moulton has since doubled down, citing the “disaster” of the debate. | The former US marine and congressman, who briefly challenged Biden for the nomination in 2020, told a Boston radio station: “President Biden has done enormous service to our country, but now is the time for him to follow in one of our founding father George Washington’s footsteps and step aside to let new leaders rise up.” Moulton has since doubled down, citing the “disaster” of the debate. |
| Mike Quigley (Illinois) | Mike Quigley (Illinois) |
| Speaking to MSNBC on Friday, Quigley, a congressman from Illinois, said: “Mr President, your legacy is set. We owe you the greatest debt of gratitude. The only thing that you can do now to cement that for all time and prevent utter catastrophe is to step down and let someone else do this.” | Speaking to MSNBC on Friday, Quigley, a congressman from Illinois, said: “Mr President, your legacy is set. We owe you the greatest debt of gratitude. The only thing that you can do now to cement that for all time and prevent utter catastrophe is to step down and let someone else do this.” |
| Angie Craig (Minnesota) | Angie Craig (Minnesota) |
| On Saturday, the congresswoman said: “Given what I saw and heard from the president during last week’s debate in Atlanta, coupled with the lack of a forceful response from the president himself following that debate, I do not believe that the president can effectively campaign and win against Donald Trump. That’s why I respectfully call on President Biden to step aside as the Democratic nominee for a second term as president and allow for a new generation of leaders to step forward.” | On Saturday, the congresswoman said: “Given what I saw and heard from the president during last week’s debate in Atlanta, coupled with the lack of a forceful response from the president himself following that debate, I do not believe that the president can effectively campaign and win against Donald Trump. That’s why I respectfully call on President Biden to step aside as the Democratic nominee for a second term as president and allow for a new generation of leaders to step forward.” |
| Adam Smith (Washington) | Adam Smith (Washington) |
| On Monday, the top Democrat on the House armed services committee said the party’s candidate for president must be able to clearly, articulately and strongly make his or her case to the American people. “It is clear that President Biden is no longer able to meet this burden,” Smith said on CNN. Smith also said he was “pleading” with Biden to “take a step back. Look at what’s best for the party, look at what’s best for the country.” | On Monday, the top Democrat on the House armed services committee said the party’s candidate for president must be able to clearly, articulately and strongly make his or her case to the American people. “It is clear that President Biden is no longer able to meet this burden,” Smith said on CNN. Smith also said he was “pleading” with Biden to “take a step back. Look at what’s best for the party, look at what’s best for the country.” |
| Mikie Sherrill (New Jersey) | Mikie Sherrill (New Jersey) |
| On Tuesday, the New Jersey congresswoman said in a statement that the stakes of a second Trump presidency were too high for her to stay silent. “I know that President Biden and his team have been true public servants and have put the country and the best interests of democracy first and foremost in their considerations,” she said. “And because I know President Biden cares deeply about the future of our country, I am asking that he declare that he won’t run for re-election and will help lead us through a process toward a new nominee.” | On Tuesday, the New Jersey congresswoman said in a statement that the stakes of a second Trump presidency were too high for her to stay silent. “I know that President Biden and his team have been true public servants and have put the country and the best interests of democracy first and foremost in their considerations,” she said. “And because I know President Biden cares deeply about the future of our country, I am asking that he declare that he won’t run for re-election and will help lead us through a process toward a new nominee.” |
| Pat Ryan (New York) | Pat Ryan (New York) |
| The congressman from New York who faces a tough re-election bid in November told the New York Times on Wednesday that Biden should step aside. “I’d be doing a grave disservice if I said he was the best candidate to serve this fall,” he said. “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.” He added: “I really hope, with all my heart, that he will listen.” | The congressman from New York who faces a tough re-election bid in November told the New York Times on Wednesday that Biden should step aside. “I’d be doing a grave disservice if I said he was the best candidate to serve this fall,” he said. “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.” He added: “I really hope, with all my heart, that he will listen.” |
| Peter Welch (Vermont) | Peter Welch (Vermont) |
| Late Wednesday evening, Vermont senator Peter Welch called on Biden to withdraw from the election, becoming the first Senate Democrat to do so. Welch said he was worried because “the stakes could not be higher”. Welch said in a Washington Post opinion piece: “I understand why President Biden wants to run. He saved us from Donald Trump once and wants to do it again. But he needs to reassess whether he is the best candidate to do so. In my view, he is not. For the good of the country, I’m calling on President Biden to withdraw from the race.” | Late Wednesday evening, Vermont senator Peter Welch called on Biden to withdraw from the election, becoming the first Senate Democrat to do so. Welch said he was worried because “the stakes could not be higher”. Welch said in a Washington Post opinion piece: “I understand why President Biden wants to run. He saved us from Donald Trump once and wants to do it again. But he needs to reassess whether he is the best candidate to do so. In my view, he is not. For the good of the country, I’m calling on President Biden to withdraw from the race.” |
| Earl Blumenauer (Oregon) | Earl Blumenauer (Oregon) |
| The veteran progressive, who will be 76 when he retires this year, on Wednesday became the ninth House Democrat to call for Biden to step aside, saying: “No president has had more accomplishments under more difficult circumstances than President Joe Biden … [But] this is not just about extending his presidency but protecting democracy. 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.” | The veteran progressive, who will be 76 when he retires this year, on Wednesday became the ninth House Democrat to call for Biden to step aside, saying: “No president has had more accomplishments under more difficult circumstances than President Joe Biden … [But] this is not just about extending his presidency but protecting democracy. 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.” |
| Hillary Scholten (Michigan) | Hillary Scholten (Michigan) |
| On Thursday, the first-term Michigander called for Biden to withdraw. Saluting Biden’s legacy, Scholten said she would vote for Biden if he decided to run but because the people of Michigan’s third congressional district voted for her to “represent them with integrity”, she had decided to speak out. “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,” Scholten said. “Joe Biden has been that leader for so long but … it’s time to pass the torch.” | On Thursday, the first-term Michigander called for Biden to withdraw. Saluting Biden’s legacy, Scholten said she would vote for Biden if he decided to run but because the people of Michigan’s third congressional district voted for her to “represent them with integrity”, she had decided to speak out. “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,” Scholten said. “Joe Biden has been that leader for so long but … it’s time to pass the torch.” |
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| Ed Case (Hawaii) | Ed Case (Hawaii) |
| Case joined other House members on Thursday in calling for Biden to step aside. “This has nothing to do with his character and record,” he said in a statement. “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.” | Case joined other House members on Thursday in calling for Biden to step aside. “This has nothing to do with his character and record,” he said in a statement. “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.” |
| Brad Schneider (Illinois) | Brad Schneider (Illinois) |
| The congressman made his statement on Thursday afternoon, calling on Biden to “secure his legacy” and step aside. “We are faced with a stark choice: be resigned to slog through this election praying we can successfully defend our democracy, or enthusiastically embrace a vibrant vision for our future, building on the extraordinary foundation President Biden has created for our nation over the past few years.” He likened the situation to George Washington choosing to pass the torch. | The congressman made his statement on Thursday afternoon, calling on Biden to “secure his legacy” and step aside. “We are faced with a stark choice: be resigned to slog through this election praying we can successfully defend our democracy, or enthusiastically embrace a vibrant vision for our future, building on the extraordinary foundation President Biden has created for our nation over the past few years.” He likened the situation to George Washington choosing to pass the torch. |
| Greg Stanton (Arizona) | Greg Stanton (Arizona) |
| The swing state congressman called on Biden to step aside on Thursday. He called the president “one of our country’s most effective modern chief executives” but said the stakes of a Trump presidency were too high to risk. “The Democratic party must have a nominee who can effectively make the case against Trump, and have the confidence of the American people to handle the rigors of the hardest job on the planet for the next four years.” | The swing state congressman called on Biden to step aside on Thursday. He called the president “one of our country’s most effective modern chief executives” but said the stakes of a Trump presidency were too high to risk. “The Democratic party must have a nominee who can effectively make the case against Trump, and have the confidence of the American people to handle the rigors of the hardest job on the planet for the next four years.” |
| Jim Himes (Connecticut) | Jim Himes (Connecticut) |
| Minutes after Biden’s Nato press conference ended on Thursday, Himes, the ranking Democrat on the House intelligence committee, released a statement. “It has been the honour of my career to work with him on the achievements that secured his remarkable legacy in American history,” he said. “I hope that, as he has throughout a lifetime of public service, he will continue to put our nation first and, as he promised, make way for a new generation of leaders.” | Minutes after Biden’s Nato press conference ended on Thursday, Himes, the ranking Democrat on the House intelligence committee, released a statement. “It has been the honour of my career to work with him on the achievements that secured his remarkable legacy in American history,” he said. “I hope that, as he has throughout a lifetime of public service, he will continue to put our nation first and, as he promised, make way for a new generation of leaders.” |
| Eric Sorensen (Illinois) | Eric Sorensen (Illinois) |
| Sorensen also released a statement after Biden’s Nato press conference. “It is more important than ever that our neighbors have a candidate for president who will communicate a positive vision for every person in this country,” he said. “Every day I remain committed to the people of central and north-western Illinois. I believe our best days are still ahead. And today I am hopeful President Biden will step aside in his campaign for president.” | Sorensen also released a statement after Biden’s Nato press conference. “It is more important than ever that our neighbors have a candidate for president who will communicate a positive vision for every person in this country,” he said. “Every day I remain committed to the people of central and north-western Illinois. I believe our best days are still ahead. And today I am hopeful President Biden will step aside in his campaign for president.” |
| Scott Peters (California) | Scott Peters (California) |
| The California moderate also put out a statement after the Nato press conference, saying: “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 democracy ahead of my great affection for, and loyalty to, the president and those around him. We must find a candidate from our deep bench of talent who can defeat Donald Trump. | The California moderate also put out a statement after the Nato press conference, saying: “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 democracy ahead of my great affection for, and loyalty to, the president and those around him. We must find a candidate from our deep bench of talent who can defeat Donald Trump. |
| Brittany Pettersen (Colorado) | Brittany Pettersen (Colorado) |
| The first-term congresswoman from the Denver suburbs issued her statement on Friday, calling Biden a “good man who has served this country faithfully and admirably” but saying: “Joe Biden saved our country once and I’m joining the growing number of people in my district and across the country to ask him to do it again. Please pass the torch to one of our many capable Democratic leaders so we have the best chance to defeat Donald Trump.” | The first-term congresswoman from the Denver suburbs issued her statement on Friday, calling Biden a “good man who has served this country faithfully and admirably” but saying: “Joe Biden saved our country once and I’m joining the growing number of people in my district and across the country to ask him to do it again. Please pass the torch to one of our many capable Democratic leaders so we have the best chance to defeat Donald Trump.” |
| Mike Levin (California) | |
| The Democratic congressman from California released a statement on Friday saying that Biden had been an “outstanding leader”, so “making this statement is not easy”. But, he said, “I believe the time has come for President Biden to pass the torch. We must prevail against the incalculable threat Donald Trump poses to the American institutions of freedom and democracy.” He added: “It is time to move forward. With a new leader. Together.” | |
| Reported: Jerry Nadler (New York), Mark Takano (California), Joe Morelle (New York) | Reported: Jerry Nadler (New York), Mark Takano (California), Joe Morelle (New York) |
| According to multiple reports, three senior Democratic congressmen last week joined Smith in using a private call arranged by Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader, to call for Biden to stand down. Others on the call reportedly expressed serious concerns but did not go so far as to say Biden should quit. | According to multiple reports, three senior Democratic congressmen last week joined Smith in using a private call arranged by Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader, to call for Biden to stand down. Others on the call reportedly expressed serious concerns but did not go so far as to say Biden should quit. |
| Nadler is a senior figure, the top Democrat on the House judiciary committee. On Capitol Hill on Tuesday, though, he signaled a retreat, telling reporters: “As the president said, 90% of Democrats voted for him in the primaries and that’s the end of the matter.” | Nadler is a senior figure, the top Democrat on the House judiciary committee. On Capitol Hill on Tuesday, though, he signaled a retreat, telling reporters: “As the president said, 90% of Democrats voted for him in the primaries and that’s the end of the matter.” |