Congressman Adam Smith, representing Washington, made headlines when he became one of the first House Democrats to call on President Biden to exit the presidential race. Smith’s reasoning behind this bold move was discussed in detail during an interview with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett on “The Takeout” podcast.
Smith expressed his belief that after a lackluster performance in a recent debate, President Biden should have immediately withdrawn from the race. He emphasized the need for the president’s team to recognize when it was time to step aside, stating, “When Joe Biden walked off that debate stage two weeks ago, there was only one thing to do, and that was for his team to say, ‘We’re done.'”
The congressman is not alone in his sentiment, as at least 13 other House Democrats have also publicly expressed their opposition to President Biden’s reelection bid. Smith predicts that several more may follow suit, potentially bringing the total number of dissenting Democrats to around 20.
Despite acknowledging President Biden’s strong platform, Smith believes that the president is no longer able to effectively deliver his message to the American people. As a solution, he proposed that Vice President Kamala Harris should take over the ticket, with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer as her running mate.
Smith highlighted the public’s desire for a fresh face in the Democratic Party, stating, “The country has been saying since the start of this campaign, give us somebody different.” He believes that presenting a new candidate at the party’s convention could provide a significant boost to their chances in the election.
However, even if President Biden chooses to remain in the race, Congressman Smith assured that he would continue to offer his full support. He praised Biden as the best candidate in the field, despite expressing concerns about the potential damage to his legacy in the event of a loss.
Addressing President Biden directly, Smith urged him to consider the impact of his decision on his legacy, stating, “You have an incredible legacy. Don’t screw it up.” He emphasized the importance of making a careful judgment about his ability to compete in the campaign, as any misstep could jeopardize the progress made during his administration.
In conclusion, Congressman Adam Smith’s bold stance on President Biden’s reelection bid showcases the internal debate within the Democratic Party about the best path forward for the upcoming election. His insights into the political landscape and the potential for change at the top of the ticket offer a unique perspective on the challenges facing the party in the months leading up to the election.
As the 2024 election season continues to unfold, the Democratic Party will need to navigate these complex dynamics to present a unified front and appeal to voters across the country. Only time will tell whether President Biden heeds the calls to step aside or chooses to forge ahead in his quest for a second term in office.
