On Friday, Rep. Sean Casten of Illinois added his voice to a growing chorus of Democratic lawmakers urging Joe Biden to step aside from the presidential race. In a statement published in the Chicago Tribune, Casten expressed his concerns about Biden's ability to lead the party to victory in November.
Casten stated, 'It is with a heavy heart and much personal reflection that I am therefore calling on Joe Biden to pass the torch to a new generation. To manage an exit with all the dignity and decency that has guided his half-century of public service.'
The call for Biden to withdraw comes in the wake of a widely criticized debate performance and mounting doubts about his electability. Casten emphasized the need for a smooth transition of power to ensure the future of the Democratic Party.
He urged Biden to 'cement his legacy as the President who saved our democracy in 2020 and handed it off to trusted hands in 2024 who could carry his legacy forward.'
Casten's statement aligns him with other Democratic lawmakers who have raised concerns about Biden's candidacy. The pressure on Biden to reconsider his reelection bid continues to grow as the party grapples with internal divisions and strategic uncertainties.
While Biden has not responded publicly to Casten's call, the issue of his candidacy remains a topic of intense debate within the Democratic Party. The coming days are likely to see further discussions and deliberations as the party seeks to navigate a path forward towards the November election.
