Why Joe Biden Should Drop Out
Given the Increasing Pressure, it's Only a Matter of Time
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the Democratic Party faces a pivotal moment. President Joe Biden’s decision to run for re-election has sparked significant debate about the party’s chances of retaining the White House. Given the stakes, it is crucial to consider whether Biden is the best candidate to lead the party to victory. This newsletter will explore why Joe Biden should step down and release his delegates to vote for an alternative nominee.
Joe Biden’s presidency has been marked by significant achievements and challenges. As he seeks re-election, questions about his age, health, and approval ratings have emerged. Historically, there have been instances where sitting presidents or leading candidates have stepped down, leading to a revitalized and united party. This context sets the stage for discussing Biden’s potential withdrawal and the benefits of an open convention.
At 81 years old, Biden is the oldest sitting president in U.S. history. Concerns about his health and ability to endure another rigorous campaign and potential second term have been raised by both supporters and critics. While Biden has shown resilience, the physical and mental demands of the presidency cannot be understated.
Up until the first presidential debate less than two weeks ago, I believed reporters and White House officials when they said that President Biden had not displayed signs of a serious cognitive issue, and assured the public that he was fully prepared to continue serving for another four-year term, if reelected.
Within the first few minutes of the debate, like most Americans, I was in shock. Biden’s performance was clearly more serious than just a “bad night,” like many pundits and politicians tried telling us. Watching Biden struggle to complete his sentences and verbalize his thoughts had me wanting someone to pull him off the stage immediately. Anyone that has dealt with an elderly person with cognitive issues, knows it when they see it. There is no coming back from this. There are serious and legitimate concerns for his health. If President Biden continues to run for reelection, he will lose.
Biden’s approval ratings have fluctuated, with recent polls indicating challenges in garnering the widespread support necessary for an electoral college victory. It’s not enough to say “vote for me because the guy I am running against is worse,” without offering a positive vision for the future. But Biden has failed to convey a clear message for his candidacy and address concerns of voters. Of course it is important to point out the contrast between you and your opponent, but it will not energize voters to come out and vote if you aren’t offering a positive alternative that inspires hope and change.
Following the disastrous debate performance, Democratic leaders have slowly began publicly expressing their concerns that Biden does not have the vigor to win and serve for four more years. It is important to remember that this was the earliest presidential debate in modern American history. There had never been a debate this early—before both major parties officially nominated their candidates. If this was not an intentional act to ensure the party would have barely enough time to nominate an alternative Democrat, it certainly appears that way to me.
In response to calls for Biden to drop out of the race, many Democratic voters have rallied behind him and expressed their satisfaction with his performance during his time in office. Biden’s popularity among his base offers a unique opportunity for Biden to unify the Democratic Party around his legacy as a transformative leader, and support a successor to continue in his stead.
So far, five Democratic members of the House of Representatives have publicly called for Biden to drop out, and more are expected to do so this week as Congress returns from the July 4th recess tomorrow. It’s unlikely that Biden will seriously consider dropping out until members of the Senate begin to voice their concerns, given his 36 years serving in that body. Many believe that it is only a matter of time before the pressure becomes insurmountable and his hand is forced.
It is important to remember: Democrats are not calling for Biden to drop out because he has not been an effective president, but rather because of their genuine concern for his health, and desire to nominate the strongest candidate possible of winning in November.