U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., has urged President Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 election, making him the most prominent Democratic lawmaker to call for a different presidential nominee. In a statement reported by the Los Angeles Times, Schiff expressed his “serious concerns” about Biden’s ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
Schiff, currently running for U.S. Senate in California, acknowledged Biden’s significant contributions to the nation. “Biden has been one of the most consequential presidents in our nation’s history, and his lifetime of service as a Senator, a Vice President, and now as President has made our country better,” Schiff stated. However, he added, “Our nation is at a crossroads. A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about whether the President can defeat Donald Trump in November.”
Growing Democratic Concerns
Schiff, who gained national prominence leading Trump’s first impeachment trial as the former chair of the House Intelligence Committee, is a close ally of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi was noncommittal last week on whether Biden should be the nominee, saying it is “up to the president to decide if he is going to run.”
Joining at least two dozen Democratic congressional colleagues, Schiff’s call for Biden to withdraw comes after Biden’s June 27 debate with Trump raised concerns about his mental fitness and electability. Schiff emphasized that the decision to withdraw is “President Biden’s alone” and did not suggest a replacement but mentioned it is time to “pass the torch” to another Democrat who can secure Biden’s legacy by defeating Trump.
Despite his concerns, Schiff pledged support for whoever becomes the Democratic nominee, including Biden. “I will do everything I can to help them succeed. There is only one singular goal: defeating Donald Trump. The stakes are just too high,” he said.
