Raskin Suggests Biden Might Consider Exiting Race

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., has raised eyebrows with a private letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to contemplate his future in the 2024 presidential race. The letter, dated July 8 and released to the public by The New York Times on Thursday, comes amid mounting pressure on Biden to consider withdrawing from the campaign. Raskin’s letter outlines a detailed argument for why Biden might want to step aside but stops short of explicitly calling for his resignation. Instead, Raskin emphasizes that the decision should ultimately be made by Biden, his wife Jill, and their family. “I’m not writing to presume to tell you what to do, Mr. President, because that is up to you and Jill and your family entirely,” Raskin writes, offering a respectful yet candid assessment of the situation.

In his letter, Raskin offers a nuanced defense of Biden, portraying him as a “truly great and magnificent leader” whose legacy includes significant accomplishments. He cites a speech Biden delivered earlier in the year, in which Biden spoke about the importance of leaders not clinging to power indefinitely. This reference serves to underline Raskin’s view that stepping aside could be seen as a mark of genuine leadership rather than a sign of weakness.

Raskin, who serves as the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee and has been a staunch defender of the Biden administration against various GOP-led investigations, has avoided publicly calling for Biden to withdraw. Nonetheless, in a post-debate analysis following Biden’s performance on June 27, Raskin acknowledged on MSNBC that there were “very honest and serious and rigorous conversations” taking place about Biden’s future in the race. His letter reflects these discussions and the growing concern within certain Democratic circles about the President’s viability as a candidate.

To illustrate his point about the potential need for Biden to consider stepping aside, Raskin employs a sports analogy. He likens Biden’s situation to that of former Boston Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez, who continued to pitch despite evident exhaustion during the 2003 American League Championship Series. Raskin uses this comparison to suggest that there is no dishonor in Biden choosing to step back while still receiving the respect and gratitude of his supporters. “There is no shame in taking a well-deserved bow to the overflowing appreciation of the crowd when your arm is tired out,” Raskin writes, urging the President to weigh both his personal health and the broader political implications.

Raskin’s letter was made public during a period of increased behind-the-scenes efforts by prominent Democrats to encourage Biden to consider stepping down. Reports indicate that these efforts have gained traction, and Biden himself has reportedly become more open to the idea of withdrawing. Although Biden has not publicly signaled a decision to step aside, he hinted at a potential exit in a BET interview aired Wednesday, stating that he would consider ending his bid if his doctors diagnosed a “medical condition” that could affect his ability to perform his presidential duties.

The speculation about Biden’s potential withdrawal has been further fueled by reports from unnamed top Democrats who have suggested that he might decide to step down as soon as this weekend. This conjecture comes in the wake of Biden’s recent COVID-19 diagnosis and his subsequent self-isolation at his home in Delaware. The situation remains fluid, with many watching closely for any signs of a decision from the President.

In Congress, the call for Biden to step aside has gained notable momentum, with 20 Democratic lawmakers publicly urging him to withdraw from the race. Among them, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., has emerged as a leading voice, advocating for Biden to “pass the torch.” This call for Biden to exit the race comes in the context of heightened political tension following the recent assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, adding a layer of urgency to the ongoing discussions about Biden’s candidacy.