Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig has made a surprising call for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race following his disappointing debate performance and subsequent difficulties in reassuring his party.

The move from Craig reflects mounting apprehension within the Democratic Party about Biden's chances in the upcoming election against Donald Trump if he remains at the top of the ticket, as Politico reports.

On Saturday, Craig publicly requested Biden to step aside from his re-election bid, citing his unsatisfactory performance in a recent debate and his inadequate response afterward. Craig, representing a battleground district, emphasized the need for fresh leadership within the Democratic Party.

Craig Cites Debate Performance

“Given what I saw and heard from the President during last week’s debate in Atlanta, coupled with the lack of a forceful response from the President himself following that debate, I do not believe that the President can effectively campaign and win against Donald Trump,” Craig stated.

Craig's district, which flipped from Trump in 2016 to Biden in 2020, adds a unique weight to her opinion. Unlike her colleagues in safely Democratic districts, Craig's swing district provides a crucial perspective on the electorate's sentiments. This call makes Craig the fifth House Democrat to urge Biden to step aside, joining Reps. Mike Quigley of Illinois, Lloyd Doggett of Texas, Raúl Grijalva of Arizona, and Seth Moulton of Massachusetts.

Growing Concerns Among Democrats

The debate performance has stirred widespread concern among Democrats, with fears that Biden’s lackluster showing could influence congressional races. Panic is setting in over the possible loss of Senate majority, viewing the House as essential in maintaining a barrier against Republican dominance.

Amid these growing concerns, Craig added, “That’s why I respectfully call on President Biden to step aside as the Democratic nominee for a second term as President and allow for a new generation of leaders to step forward.”

While some view Craig’s announcement as strategic, aimed at preserving her seat in a competitive district, others see it as reflective of genuine concern for the party’s future.

Biden Remains Resolute Amid Calls to Withdraw

Despite the mounting calls for his withdrawal, President Biden has remained steadfast in his decision to run for re-election. His response to critics included a rally in Wisconsin and an extensive interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC News.

In his typical candid manner, Biden remarked, “If the Lord Almighty came down and said, ‘Joe, get out of the race,’ I’d get out of the race. The Lord Almighty’s not coming down.” This statement underscores Biden’s determination to pursue a second term, despite the pressure from within his party.

Future Strategies and Discussions Planned

The aftermath of Biden’s debate performance has sparked extensive discussions among House and Senate Democrats. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was set to discuss Biden’s campaign strategy with Democratic ranking committee members on Sunday.

Additionally, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Sen. Mark Warner are reportedly organizing to deliberate over the best path forward for Biden’s campaign. These meetings are indicative of the seriousness with which Democratic leaders are treating the situation. These internal discussions are expected to be crucial in deciding the future direction of Biden’s campaign and potentially identifying alternative strategies to strengthen their position.

Republican Reactions to Craig’s Call

In response to Craig’s announcement, Mike Marinella, spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, described it as a “transparent election-year ploy to try to cling to her seat.”

Marinella’s comment suggests that Republicans view Craig’s call as a strategic move rather than a genuine expression of concern for the party’s future leadership.

This interpretation adds another layer of complexity to an already turbulent political landscape as the 2024 election approaches.

Conclusion

Rep. Angie Craig's call for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race underscores significant unease within the Democratic Party regarding Biden's viability as a candidate.

Highlighting concerns following his debate performance against Trump, Craig joins a small group of House Democrats advocating for new leadership. Despite these calls, Biden remains committed to running for a second term.

As party leaders prepare for critical discussions on Biden’s campaign strategy, the broader Democratic community is urged to reflect on their approach for the upcoming election. Reactions from both parties signify the high stakes and strategic considerations dominating the political sphere as the election season heats up.