Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) on Wednesday became the 21st Democrat to call on President Biden to abandon his 2024 presidential bid, increasing pressure on the oldest president in history following his disastrous debate defeats and media interview gaffes.
“Joe Biden is one of the most significant presidents in our nation’s history, and his lifetime of service as a senator, vice president and president has made our country better,” Schiff said in a statement. “But our country is at a crossroads. President Trump’s reelection would undermine the very foundations of our democracy. I have serious concerns about whether the president can defeat Donald Trump in November.”
“While it is up to President Biden to withdraw from the campaign trail, I believe now is the time to pass the baton,” added the California Democrat, who is also running for U.S. Senate in November, “so that we can defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election and ensure his legacy of leadership.”
“But make no mistake: Whoever our party nominates, or if the nominee remains the president, I will be committed to their success,” Schiff said, adding, “There is only one goal: to defeat Donald Trump. The stakes are just too high.”
Schiff blasted Biden, the Democratic leader, in a Meet the Press interview earlier this month, saying he “should defeat Donald Trump once and for all” and coming close to calling for Biden’s removal from office.
