Rep. Lloyd Doggett, the first elected Democratic lawmaker to call for President Biden to ditch his re-election bid, insists there's no point in risking another run when there are "better alternatives" among Democratic choices. He warns of former President Trump's potential return to office if Democrats fail to replace Biden as their nominee.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) has become the first elected Democratic Party lawmaker to publicly call for President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, arguing that there are "better alternatives" among the Democratic ranks and that Biden's low polling and recent debate performance make him a liability for the party.
Doggett's call comes after Biden's much-criticized debate performance last week, which Doggett believes failed to move the needle for the president and instead added to the "disappointment and disillusionment" among voters.
First Dem Lawmaker to Demand Biden Withdrawal Questions: 'Why Take a Chance When There's a Better Alternative?'
Speaking to CNN, Doggett emphasized the need for a Democratic candidate who can generate excitement and enthusiasm, something he believes Biden has lacked. He pointed to polls showing Biden trailing Republican front-runner Donald Trump and even behind several Democratic senators in key states.
"The debate, instead of adding momentum, added disappointment and disillusionment," Doggett said. "The idea of having a new person who might excite all those double haters that there's another alternative out there and bring us together would give us a much better chance in the fall than we have right now."
First Dem Lawmaker to Demand Biden Withdrawal Questions: 'Why Take a Chance When There's a Better Alternative?'
Doggett acknowledged Biden's accomplishments in his first term but argued that the president's declining approval ratings and the potential damage done by his debate performance make it difficult to overcome.
"I just think that some of the damage that was done in this debate will be very difficult to overcome. Why take a chance when there is a better alternative?" Doggett asked.
First Dem Lawmaker to Demand Biden Withdrawal Questions: 'Why Take a Chance When There's a Better Alternative?'
He suggested several potential alternatives from within the Democratic Party, including Vice President Kamala Harris, governors, and senators.
"What we need is a fair and open process over the coming weeks to let the American people see this, develop the enthusiasm we haven't had, and get behind them," Doggett said.
Doggett emphasized that his call for Biden's withdrawal was not motivated by concerns about his own political future, as he is not up for re-election this year.
"I'm not a new member of Congress... I felt I was in a position to speak out about what I was hearing from so many of my colleagues and say, 'We need a different course,'" Doggett said.
Doggett's call for Biden's withdrawal represents a significant break from the party establishment, which has largely remained supportive of the president. It remains to be seen how other Democratic lawmakers will respond to Doggett's initiative, but it could potentially open the door for a broader debate within the party about Biden's future.
