Prominent Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff is calling on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, citing serious concerns about Biden’s ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Schiff, who has long hinted at his reservations, made his position clear in a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times.
Schiff’s call for Biden to step aside comes amid a growing chorus of Democrats expressing similar sentiments. As of Tuesday, 19 lawmakers have publicly urged Biden to make way for a new candidate who they believe would have a better chance of securing a victory against Trump in November. Earlier this month, Schiff appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” where he emphasized the need for Democrats to have the strongest possible candidate in the race. He reiterated his stance today, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
In his interview with the Los Angeles Times, Schiff stated, “I have serious concerns that President Biden can beat former President Trump in November. A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy.” Schiff’s comments highlight the deepening anxiety within the Democratic Party about the potential repercussions of a Trump victory.
Schiff, a long-time supporter of Biden, is also running for the Senate seat held by the late Dianne Feinstein, a race he is expected to win easily. His call for Biden to step down is seen as a significant shift, given his previous support for the president. Schiff’s concerns reflect a broader apprehension among Democrats about Biden’s electability and the stakes of the 2024 election.
The increasing number of Democrats calling for Biden to step aside signals a potential shift in the party’s strategy as it gears up for a contentious election season. The focus now is on identifying and supporting a candidate who can not only unify the party but also appeal to a broader electorate to prevent a second Trump term.
Schiff’s remarks on “Meet the Press” and his subsequent statements to the Los Angeles Times have sparked intense debate within the party. As the election approaches, the Democratic Party faces a critical juncture, balancing loyalty to the sitting president with the pragmatic need to present a viable challenger to Trump.