Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) publicly called on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, urging the incumbent to “pass the torch” to a new candidate. Schiff, who is currently running for the U.S. Senate in California, praised Biden’s lifetime of public service but expressed concerns about his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
“Joe Biden has been one of the most consequential presidents in our nation’s history, and his lifetime of service as a Senator, a Vice President, and now as President has made our country better,” Schiff said in a statement. “But our nation is at a crossroads. A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about whether the President can defeat Donald Trump in November.”
Schiff’s statement aligns with sentiments from other Democrats who have voiced similar concerns following Biden’s disappointing performance in the June debate. Notably, Schiff is a close ally of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who appointed him to several key roles, including as chairman of the Intelligence Committee and lead House impeachment manager during Trump’s first impeachment trial.
While Biden has repeatedly insisted he will remain in the race, Pelosi has left the door open to the possibility of a different nominee. During an interview on MSNBC, she suggested that Biden needs to decide quickly about his future.
Schiff’s call for Biden to step aside underscores the growing anxiety within the Democratic Party about Biden’s chances against Trump. Schiff emphasized that while the decision to withdraw is ultimately Biden’s, he believes it is time for a change. “While the choice to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden’s alone, I believe it is time for him to pass the torch. And in doing so, secure his legacy of leadership by allowing us to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election.”
Schiff also stated that he would support any potential replacement for Biden on the Democratic ticket, specifically mentioning Vice President Kamala Harris as a strong candidate who could win overwhelmingly and be a “phenomenal president.” He assured that he had given the Biden campaign a heads-up before making his statement public.
Despite Schiff’s appeal, the Biden campaign remains firm in its stance. In an interview with NBC News anchor Lester Holt, Biden defended his mental acuity and affirmed his determination to stay in the race. The campaign also highlighted continued support from Democratic lawmakers, including prominent figures such as Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) and Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (D-NV).