Representative Angie Craig, a Democratic congresswoman from Minnesota, has joined a growing chorus of voices calling for President Joe Biden to step aside and not seek re-election in 2024. The call comes after concerns were raised about Biden’s performance in a recent debate and what some perceive as a lack of forceful response from the president.
Craig, who represents Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes cities like Lakeville, Eagan, and Northfield, stated that the decision was not made lightly but emphasized the need to prevent a second term for former President Donald Trump. She expressed her respect for Biden but pointed to the need for new leadership to take the Democratic Party forward.
Several other House Democrats have also called on Biden to step aside, including Rep. Lloyd Doggett from Texas, Rep. Raul Grijalva, Rep. Seth Moulton, and Rep. Mike Quigley. Quigley, in an interview with CBS News, stressed the importance of pragmatic politics in preventing another Trump presidency.
Despite the growing calls for him to step aside, Biden has remained steadfast in his commitment to continue his campaign for re-election. He has faced criticism over his debate performance and concerns about his ability to defeat Trump in a potential rematch. However, Biden has reassured supporters that he is fit for office and has received endorsements from Democratic governors.
In response to the pressure from within his party, Biden has made campaign stops in battleground states like Wisconsin and reiterated his determination to stay in the race. In an interview with ABC News, Biden acknowledged the challenges he faced but remained resolute in his decision to continue running for president.
The debate performance has also had implications for the electoral landscape, with forecasters shifting Minnesota from “likely Democratic” to “lean Democratic.” This change underscores the increasing competitiveness of the state in the upcoming election and the potential impact of Biden’s candidacy on down-ballot races.
Political experts like David Schultz have noted the significance of Craig’s call for Biden to step aside, especially given her representation of a swing district. Moderate Democrats across the country are wary of the potential impact of Biden’s candidacy on their own re-election prospects, leading to a growing push for Biden to reconsider his decision.
As the pressure mounts on Biden to address concerns about his candidacy, the Democratic Party faces a critical juncture in determining its path forward. The debate over Biden’s future in the race highlights the divisions within the party and the challenges of navigating a complex political landscape in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
