Vermont Sen. Peter Welch made headlines by becoming the first Democrat in the Senate to publicly urge President Joe Biden to step aside. In an op-ed published in The Washington Post, Welch expressed his belief that Biden may not be the strongest candidate to defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
While acknowledging Biden's role in defeating Trump in the previous election, Welch emphasized the need for a reassessment of Biden's candidacy. He highlighted the critical nature of the current political landscape, stating that the stakes are incredibly high.
Despite his admiration for the president, Welch urged Biden to prioritize the interests of the country and consider whether he is the most suitable candidate to lead the Democratic Party in the next election.
Welch's call for Biden to step aside comes on the heels of similar sentiments expressed by Colorado Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet. Bennet, while not explicitly calling for Biden's withdrawal, also questioned the president's ability to secure reelection.
The growing chorus of Democratic voices expressing doubts about Biden's candidacy underscores the internal debate within the party regarding the best path forward. As the political landscape continues to evolve, these public statements from prominent Democrats signal a potential shift in the party's approach to the upcoming election.