Blumenauer becomes ninth House Democrat calling for Biden to step aside
![Blumenauer becomes ninth House Democrat calling for Biden to step aside](https://thehill.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/blumenauerearl_091423gn01_w.jpg?w=900)
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) on Wednesday became the ninth House Democrat to publicly call for President Biden to withdraw from the race, adding to a growing chorus of lawmakers who have expressed concerns about the president’s — and the party’s — chances in November.
"No president has had more accomplishments under more difficult circumstances than President Joe Biden," Blumenauer wrote in a statement. "He's navigated international crises while enacting landmark legislation combating the climate crisis, recovering from COVID, rebuilding and renewing America, and guiding our economic recovery. These are unprecedented achievements."
However, the Oregon Democrat, who's retiring after his current term, said that "the question before the country is whether the president should continue his candidacy for re-election."
"This is not just about extending his presidency but protecting democracy,” Blumenauer said. “While this is a decision for the president and the first lady, I hope they will come to the conclusion that I and others have: President Biden should not be the Democratic presidential nominee."
Eight other House Democrats have publicly called on Biden to exit the race: Reps. Llyod Doggett (D-Texas), Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) and Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.).
Blumenauer's statement underscores House Democrats' lingering fears that with Biden still in the race, his candidacy jeopardizes the party's ability to keep the White House in November and flip the House.
Biden has been adamant in interviews since his disastrous debate performance that he's remaining in the race, but the slow drip-drip of statements from members of the parties, and now celebrities, highlight Democrats' anxieties.
Notably, actor George Clooney, who held a fundraiser for the president last month, wrote an op-ed in The New York Times published on Wednesday calling for Biden to exit the race.
A forecast from Decision Desk HQ released this week found that Republicans have a 65 percent chance of keeping the House, with a 58 percent chance of flipping the White House and 82 percent chance of winning the Senate majority.
Updated at 7:13 p.m.
Date: | |
Tag: | Joe Biden |
Topics
-
The Hill - Politics
Biden adviser Anita Dunn leaving White House to join major Democratic super PAC
A senior adviser to President Biden is departing the White House to take on a top role advising a major Democratic super PAC ahead of November’s election. Anita Dunn, who has been a member of Biden’s inner circle of aides since he took office, is ...15 hr ago - Joe Biden -
The New York Times - Top stories
Warning of ‘Extreme’ Agenda, Biden Calls for Supreme Court Overhaul
In a speech in Austin, Texas, the president outlined a proposal that included term limits and an enforceable ethics code for the justices but that faces long odds in a divided Congress.13 hr ago - Joe Biden -
NBC News - Politics
Biden calls for 'three bold reforms' for Supreme Court
President Joe Biden spoke at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas, and called for "three bold reforms" to the Supreme Court and a constitutional amendment limiting the power of his own office.13 hr ago - Joe Biden -
Financial Times - Business
Harris backs Biden’s call for Supreme Court reform
President’s proposals include term limits for justices and constitutional amendment on presidential immunity13 hr ago - Joe Biden -
The Hill - Politics
Biden administration announces next steps for fall student debt relief
The Biden administration announced Wednesday the next steps for student debt relief this fall. On Thursday, the Department of Education will begin emailing borrowers who have at least one outstanding student loan held federally to let them know ...2 hr ago - Joe Biden -
The New York Times - Top stories
Democrats Could Regret Calling Trump and His Supporters ‘Weird’
It’s silly and counterproductive.15 hr ago - Donald Trump -
ABC News - Top stories
Election 2024 updates: Harris plans campaign stops with running mate pick
Vice President Kamala Harris wrapped up what has been a whirlwind week in the presidential race with her campaign saying Sunday it has raised more than $200 million.10 hr ago -
The Hill - Politics
Kelly says Democrats can win his Senate seat if he becomes vice president
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said he’s confident that Democrats can keep his Senate seat in a special election if he is elected vice president, as speculation rises over who Vice President Harris will choose as her running mate. Kelly told CNN’s Manu ...9 hr ago -
The Hill - Politics
House lawmakers call for sanctions on billionaire former Georgian prime minister
Bipartisan leaders of the Helsinki Commission are calling on the Biden administration to sanction Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire former prime minister of Georgia that critics accuse of pulling the strings in Tbilisi’s turn away from Europe ...16 hr ago -
CBS News - Top stories
Head of pro-Trump Project 2025 steps down as Democrats ramp up attacks
Project 2025, overseen by the Heritage Foundation, includes a sweeping policy agenda that seeks to serve as a blueprint for the next Republican presidential administration.15 hr ago - Donald Trump
More from The Hill
-
The Hill - Politics
Why the CrowdStrike debacle should be a warning to policymakers and Americans
The CrowdStrike debacle has highlighted the potential for cyberwarfare to disrupt and disable critical infrastructure, and the need for a more proactive approach to cybersecurity in order to protect against such threats.21 min ago -
The Hill - Politics
Biden’s Supreme Court reforms will never happen, but they’re still important.
Having a functional Supreme Court is not a political issue any more than having a functioning heart is a lifestyle choice. And while Biden’s current initiative is doomed to fail, it’s the beginning of a life-or-death discussion about the future of ...51 min ago - Joe Biden -
The Hill - Politics
Morning Report — Secret Service admits slew of mistakes at intense hearing
Glaring security failures by the Secret Service allowed a 20-year-old Pennsylvania gunman armed with an AR 15-style rifle to elude law enforcement even after he was seen on campaign rally grounds and identified as suspicious. He gained access to ...1 hr ago -
The Hill - Politics
Former gubernatorial rival endorses Kari Lake in Arizona Senate race
Karrin Taylor Robson, who ran and lost to Kari Lake in the Arizona governor’s race last cycle, announced she would endorse Lake in her Arizona Senate bid Wednesday. “It is essential that we hold on to the Republican majorities in our state ...1 hr ago -
The Hill - Politics
With democracy in balance, veterans take up new fight at home
Fearful of rising political violence and declining democratic norms, Chris Purdy is organizing veterans to fight both. The former Army National Guard member and advocate for Afghan evacuees this month launched the Chamberlain Network, aimed at ...1 hr ago