Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas made headlines on Tuesday by becoming the first sitting Democratic member of Congress to publicly call on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race. Doggett's statement, which referenced the historical decision of former President Lyndon Johnson to withdraw under different circumstances, has added significant pressure on the Biden administration.
In his statement, Doggett emphasized the need for new leadership to defeat former President Donald Trump, following Biden's disappointing debate performance. He acknowledged Biden's commitment to the country and urged him to make the difficult decision to step aside for the greater good of the party.
Support for Doggett's stance was echoed by Democratic Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois, who expressed openness to replacing Biden as the party's nominee. Quigley praised Biden's service but emphasized the importance of honesty in assessing the situation.
Behind the scenes, more Democrats have been voicing concerns about Biden's candidacy, with a growing number of House Democrats worried about his ability to win the election. While the Biden campaign and White House have maintained their support for the president, internal anxieties within the party continue to rise.
A House Democratic lawmaker highlighted the increasing group of Democrats questioning Biden's candidacy and hinted at the possibility of becoming more vocal if Biden does not address their concerns.
The ongoing debate within the Democratic Party reflects the complex dynamics surrounding Biden's presidential bid and the broader goal of defeating Trump in the upcoming election. As the pressure mounts, all eyes are on President Biden to make a pivotal decision that could reshape the party's path forward.