A coalition of business leaders and philanthropists has called on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race.

The concerns were ignited by Biden's recent debate performance against Donald Trump, raising alarms about his age and effectiveness, and that many of the calls for him to step down are coming from Obama loyalists is seen as a particularly harsh blow, as Newsweek reports.

Former Obama Officials Lead Ouster Campaign

The coalition is spearheaded by Daniella Ballou-Aares, who previously served as a senior advisor for development to the secretary of state during the Obama administration. Other members include Michelle Greene and Elissa Doyle, who also served in the Obama era.

On Wednesday, Leadership Now, an organization associated with the group, published a letter urging a new Democratic nominee to "protect democracy." The letter warned that Trump's re-election poses an "existential threat" to American democracy.

Biden, who is 81 years old, showed signs of strain during the debate. He appeared hoarse and struggled through several of his responses.

Letter Highlights Concerns About Biden

Biden's performance instilled panic among Democrats, as highlighted in the letter from Leadership Now, which pointed out his inability to effectively counter Trump's arguments. The coalition's urgency stems from fears of a "devastating loss" if Biden continues his campaign.

"What we witnessed Thursday night in the presidential debate was deeply concerning," the letter stated. It elaborated on Trump's behavior during the debate and expressed disappointment at Biden's inability to refute these strategies effectively.

The letter also mentioned the broader implications of the upcoming election on global perceptions. "The world is watching. As we anxiously observe elections in multiple other democracies, our allies and other democracies hope to see us at our best and are deeply concerned when we fail to live up to these high expectations," it said.

Ballou-Aares Criticizes Campaign Messaging

In an interview with Bloomberg, Ballou-Aares emphasized the group's concerns regarding Biden's age and its impact on Democratic candidates in competitive races. She pointed out a "significant disconnect" between the campaign's messaging and the reality perceived by its members.

"There's a very significant disconnect between what the campaign is messaging and where our members are," Ballou-Aares remarked, indicating the misalignment in strategic communication. "And I think their messaging is really out of touch with how people have seen the reality of the debate," she added.

The letter acknowledged that the process of selecting a new Democratic nominee would be "messy" and "not without risk," reflecting the complexities involved in such a significant shift.

White House Addresses Concerns

The White House responded to the calls for Biden's withdrawal by announcing that the President would address these concerns through various platforms. He plans to speak with congressional leaders, appear in an interview with ABC, and hold a press conference.

Despite pressure, Biden has resisted calls to step down, maintaining support from several high-profile Democrats. However, there have been private concerns within the party about his suitability as a candidate.

The coalition’s letter was not signed, and it remains unclear if all members of Leadership Now endorsed its content. This ambiguity adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

Mixed Reactions from Polls

The response from recent polls has been mixed. While some indicate Trump gaining ground after the debate, others show minimal changes in voter preferences.

As the Democratic Party grapples with this internal conflict, the uncertainty surrounding the presidential race continues to grow.

The calls for Biden to step down underscore the intense scrutiny and high stakes of the upcoming election.

Conclusion

In summary, a coalition led by former Obama administration officials, including Daniella Ballou-Aares, is urging President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race due to concerns about his debate performance and overall effectiveness.

This move has created significant tension within the Democratic Party, with mixed reactions from polls and ongoing discussions about the best path forward.

The White House's response and Biden's determination to continue his campaign add to the developing narrative as the nation heads toward a critical election.