Another Democrat has implored President Joe Biden to step down, urging him to “please pass the baton to somebody else.”
Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) issued a statement after Biden’s “big boy” NATO news conference, while Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) urged her colleagues to wait for the press conference. In a statement, Pettersen called Biden “a good man who has served this country loyally and honorably over decades of service.”
Peterson gave a brief biography, noted that he served as an organizer for Biden’s 2008 campaign and said he owed his “path to public office” largely to Biden.
“I have deep respect and love for Joe Biden and all he has accomplished for our country, which is why this decision is so painful, but I cannot allow my son and constituents to suffer by inaction at this critical moment,” she wrote, again praising Biden as someone she believes has saved the country.
Still, she said she urges him to step down and save the country.
“Please pass the baton to one of the most capable Democratic leaders so that we have the best chance to defeat Donald Trump,” she pleaded, calling former President Donald Trump “the greatest threat to the foundation of this country that we’ve ever faced.”
“On behalf of all the residents of Colorado’s 7th Congressional District, I want to thank President Biden from the bottom of my heart,” she continued, praising his decades-long political career.
“You have done so much for our country, and I am confident that you will continue to do the right thing for the future of our country,” she added.
With deep gratitude and love @JoeBiden Please pass the baton. Read my statement here: pic.twitter.com/AN0c3JcApF
— Brittany Pettersen (@pettersen4co) July 12, 2024
Her comments came after Biden held a press conference on Thursday, where he made it clear he had no plans to withdraw from the race and continued to deny any physical or mental decline. Instead, Biden touted his doctor’s report, admitting he only has problems with one leg. Biden also denied reports that he wanted to retire early due to declining stamina, insisting he simply had to keep up the pace.
“That’s not true,” Biden said, denying reports that he wanted to end his life early.
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“What I said is that instead of starting at 7 o’clock every day and going to bed at 12 at night, it would be wise to slow down the pace a little bit. And, for example, instead of starting fundraisers at 9 o’clock, I said start at 8 so people can be home by 10 o’clock. That’s what I’m saying,” he said, trying to make it sound as if the request was about getting others home earlier, rather than necessarily himself.
“Whether it was sports or politics, there was always this feeling of just carrying on. You just have to pace yourself a little bit more,” he said.
“I’m going to pace myself. I’m not going to travel 15 time zones a week before the next debate,” Trump added, repeating the White House’s belated official excuse for his lackluster debate performance.
Other Democrats who called on Biden to step down this week include Reps. Pat Ryan of New York and Brad Schneider of Illinois.
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