New York Congressman Pat Ryan has become the latest Democrat to call for President Joe Biden to step down from his position as the party’s nominee for the upcoming election. Ryan cited concerns about Biden’s ability to defeat former President Donald Trump, whom he described as an “existential threat.” The congressman expressed his hope that the president would listen to these concerns for the good of the country and its future generations.
Ryan is not alone in calling for Biden to step aside; other congressional Democrats have also voiced their doubts about the president’s ability to effectively communicate the party’s message. Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, has stated that he does not believe Biden is an “effective messenger” and cited concerns about the president’s health as reasons for his departure from the race.
In a letter addressed to fellow Democrats on Capitol Hill, Ryan urged them to come together and move forward as a unified party, emphasizing the importance of defeating Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Despite these calls for change, many Democrats have hesitated to directly address the issue of Biden’s potential withdrawal from the race, opting instead to focus on their agenda and contrasting it with that of the former president.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has stated that the decision to step down is ultimately up to President Biden, suggesting that time is running short for him to make a choice. While some Democrats have expressed concerns about Biden’s performance in recent debates and his ability to connect with voters, it remains unclear whether these doubts will translate into tangible action or if the president will maintain his position as the party’s nominee going into the election season.