In a surprising move, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) has called on President Joe Biden to step down as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. Doggett's statement comes after what he described as Biden’s poor performance in a recent debate against former President Donald Trump.
“President Biden has continued to run substantially behind Democratic senators in key states and in most polls has trailed Donald Trump,” Doggett said on Tuesday. “I had hoped that the debate would provide some momentum to change that. It did not. Instead of reassuring voters, the President failed to effectively defend his many accomplishments and expose Trump’s many lies.”
Doggett, 77, is the first Democratic member of Congress to call for Biden’s withdrawal since the debate. His call was soon echoed by former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro, who also criticized Biden's debate performance and suggested Vice President Kamala Harris as a stronger alternative.
Doggett revealed that he had informed the White House and House Democratic leadership of his decision before making his statement public. He emphasized that many Democrats share his concerns but are hesitant to speak out.
“There are many people who would like to make a statement like this but are concerned about, among other things, doing anything that might make it even more difficult for President Biden,” Doggett said.
Despite Doggett's stance, other prominent Texas Democrats expressed their continued support for Biden. Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston) and Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-Houston) both issued statements backing the president, highlighting the stark choices facing voters in the 2024 election.
Rep. Al Green (D-Houston) also voiced his support for Biden, citing his accomplishments, including the appointment of Vice President Kamala Harris and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-McAllen) pointed out the irony of Doggett, at 77, asking the 81-year-old Biden not to run, suggesting that many Democrats believe Doggett's call is premature.
Biden’s debate performance has raised concerns among Texas Democrats, particularly those involved in competitive down-ballot races. However, the majority of the party's members have stopped short of calling for his withdrawal, choosing instead to support or remain silent on the issue.
Doggett, a fixture in Texas Democratic politics since 1995, acknowledged Biden's significant achievements but stressed the urgency for a stronger candidate to challenge Trump. “If Biden were to bow out, Democrats would need to select a new candidate at the national convention in Chicago this August. Despite the potential for political uncertainties, Doggett expressed confidence that the convention would be peaceful and productive.” He did not endorse any specific candidate to replace Biden but mentioned that several governors, senators, and Vice President Harris could be viable options.
Biden has shown no indication of stepping down and has continued to campaign actively, addressing concerns and rallying support among donors and Democratic officials.
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