Pressure Builds on Biden to Withdraw After Debate

A growing chorus of influential media figures, political analysts, and former White House staffers are now publicly calling for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. This intensified scrutiny comes in the wake of what many commentators and observers considered a notably poor performance during a recent debate. Despite the increasing pressure from various quarters, elected Democratic officials have largely remained steadfast in their support for Biden, choosing to publicly back him amidst the growing calls for his resignation.

The New York Times Editorial Board took a decisive stance, arguing in a headline published the day after the debate that Biden should step aside to serve his country more effectively. The board described Biden as an “admirable president” but critiqued his debate performance as a “reckless gamble.” They warned that unless Democrats act to replace him, they risk handing the election to former President Donald Trump. The editorial board’s call was framed as both a strategic and moral imperative for the Democratic Party to consider a new candidate who could potentially offer a stronger challenge to Trump.

The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the debate had made it clear that Biden should consider stepping down. The board characterized both Biden and Trump as “two gnarly old men” and “clowns,” and argued that Biden should publicly acknowledge his limitations and declare that he would serve only a single term if elected. This declaration was seen as a way for Biden to address his perceived shortcomings and to mitigate the negative impact of his debate performance.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Editorial Board was blunt in its assessment, asserting that Biden should step aside for the good of the nation and to enhance the Democratic Party’s chances of defeating Trump. They dismissed various excuses offered by Biden’s campaign and allies, such as claims of illness affecting his performance. Instead, they framed the debate as a confirmation of their long-standing concerns about Biden’s age and overall suitability for the presidency.

Thomas Friedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The New York Times, expressed deep disappointment, reflecting on his personal friendship with Biden. Friedman described the debate as “heartbreaking” and argued that Biden’s candidacy was no longer tenable. He called for the Democratic Party to initiate a new, open process to select a fresh presidential nominee, suggesting that the current situation was untenable for the party’s future.

Nicholas Kristof, another New York Times columnist, wrote that Biden’s debate performance had only reinforced the narrative that he is too old to serve effectively as president. Kristof recommended that Biden announce his retirement before the Democratic National Convention, which would allow delegates to select another candidate. He mentioned potential replacements such as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, or Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo as viable alternatives.

Paul Krugman, a fellow New York Times columnist, issued a plea with the headline “The best president of my life needs to withdraw,” acknowledging his previous support for Biden’s policies. Krugman admitted that some Biden loyalists might view his call as a betrayal but insisted that it was necessary to face reality and acknowledge the current political and performance challenges facing Biden.

David Remnick, the editor of The New Yorker, sharply criticized Biden’s debate performance, describing it as “wandering into senselessness.” Remnick argued that continuing his campaign would not only reflect self-delusion but also pose a risk to national interests, suggesting that Biden’s continued candidacy could have detrimental consequences for the country.

David Ignatius, a foreign affairs columnist for The Washington Post, reiterated his previous position that Biden should not seek re-election. Ignatius highlighted how Biden has been shielded by a close circle of aides and confidants, including his wife, Jill Biden, who have dismissed calls for him to step aside. Ignatius argued that this insularity has led to an unhealthy dynamic where critical voices are not being adequately heard.

Mark Leibovich, a staff writer for The Atlantic, also criticized Biden, labeling the debate performance as a “disaster.” Leibovich highlighted Biden’s age and appearance as significant concerns, suggesting that Biden should consider ending his campaign in light of his poor performance.

Joe Scarborough, host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” expressed his affection for Biden but suggested that if Biden were a CEO, his debate performance would have led to his dismissal. Scarborough implied that Biden should reconsider his candidacy based on his lackluster performance and the implications it could have for his re-election prospects.

Chandler West, former White House director of photography, shared his views on Instagram, stating that “it’s time for Joe to go.” West referenced private conversations among White House operatives who have expressed concerns about Biden’s declining strength and predicted further issues in the future. His comments reflected a growing sense of unease within Biden’s former circles about his ability to continue effectively.

James Carville, a long-time Democratic consultant, added his voice to the chorus, suggesting that Biden should not be the nominee. Carville criticized the Biden campaign for using his name in a post-debate fundraising text without his permission. He also indicated that he believes Biden might end his campaign before Election Day, quoting economist Herb Stein’s observation that “that which can’t continue…won’t.”

Andrew Yang, who was Biden’s rival for the 2020 Democratic nomination, expressed regret for having initially supported Biden’s team’s ability to prepare him for the debate. Yang described Biden as “old and shuffling” and criticized him for running an “unwinnable race,” arguing that Biden’s continuation in the race was doing a disservice to the country.

Cenk Uygur, host and founder of The Young Turks, also weighed in, suggesting that it was time to discuss finding a replacement for Biden. Uygur’s comment came shortly after the debate, indicating that it was apparent to him that a change was necessary.

Despite the rising calls for his resignation, Biden defended himself during a speech in Raleigh, North Carolina. He acknowledged his age and performance issues, contrasting himself with Trump and emphasizing his commitment to honesty. Biden attributed his poor debate performance to a sore throat and argued that it should not be seen as indicative of his overall capabilities. Elected Democrats, aside from Rep. Dean Phillips, have largely supported Biden. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama have publicly defended Biden, suggesting that one poor debate performance should not determine the outcome of the race.

The debate was considered a crucial moment in the 2024 campaign cycle, intended to address concerns about Biden’s age and fitness for office. However, Biden’s performance was widely criticized, leading to internal Democratic discussions about the possibility of replacing him on the ticket.

There is no formal process for replacing Biden if he does not voluntarily step aside. He has secured nearly 3,900 of the 4,000 available delegates needed for nomination. While it is highly unlikely that delegates would vote for a new nominee, Biden could choose to withdraw before the convention, allowing for another candidate to be selected. If Biden were to withdraw after the convention, the Democratic National Committee could hold a special meeting to choose a new nominee by majority vote. Potential replacements, such as Vice President Kamala Harris, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and California Governor Gavin Newsom, have been mentioned, with Harris being the most obvious choice among them.