Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., on Wednesday urged President Joe Biden to exit the presidential race, saying the nation is at a “crossroads” after his poor debate performance last month.
“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,” he added. “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 echoes calls from some Democrats who have called for the president to step aside in the aftermath of his disappointing June debate performance.
Schiff argued that it is time for Biden to “pass the torch,” saying Democrats would have a better chance of beating Trump in November if he steps aside.
“While the choice to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden’s alone, I believe it is time for him to pass the torch,” he said. “And in doing so, secure his legacy of leadership by allowing us to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election.”
Schiff vowed to get behind a potential replacement for Biden on the Democratic presidential ticket if the president were to drop out.
