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Senate Democrats will force vote to expand child tax credit despite GOP opposition - NBC News
Peter Welch, a Democrat, represents Vermont in the U.S. Senate.
I have great respect for President Biden. He saved our country from a tyrant. He is a man of uncommon decency. He cares deeply about our democracy. He has been one of the best presidents of our time.
But I, like folks across the country, am worried about Novembers election. The stakes could not be higher. We cannot unsee President Bidens disastrous debate performance. We cannot ignore or dismiss the valid questions raised since that night.
I understand why President Biden wants to run. He saved us from Donald Trump once and wants to do it again. But he needs to reassess whether he is the best candidate to do so. In my view, he is not.
For the good of the country, Im calling on President Biden to withdraw from the race.
Trump is a felon. He is a pathological liar. He is a menace. And he is sure to be emboldened by his activist Supreme Court, which granted him near-total immunity.
When Trump was president, he consistently put his own interests ahead of the nations culminating with his attempt to overturn the 2020 election and disrupt the peaceful transfer of power. He has called the Jan. 6 insurrectionists patriots.
MAGA Republicans, meanwhile, have clearly stated their plans for a second Trump term, laying out an extremist agenda with their Project 2025.
But the national conversation is focused on President Bidens age and capacity. Only he can change it.
I deliver this assessment with sadness. Vermont loves Joe Biden. President Biden and Vice President Harris received a larger vote percentage here than in any other state. But regular Vermonters are worried that he cant win this time, and theyre terrified of another Trump presidency. These are real concerns of regular voters who Ive heard from recently like a mom who counts on the child tax credit and seniors who rely on Medicare.
The latest data makes it clear that the political peril to Democrats is escalating. States that were once strongholds are now leaning Republican. These new shifts in Minnesota, New Hampshire, Nevada, Arizona and Georgia must be taken seriously, not denied or ignored.
The good news is that President Biden has united the party and created a deep bench that can defeat Trump. Vice President Harris is a capable, proven leader, and we have other electable, young, energizing Democratic governors and senators in swing states. Not only do these leaders have experience running and winning in tough political environments, they also have fundraising networks, media experience, charisma, and the ability to inspire voters across generations and across our big tent.
We have asked President Biden to do so much for so many for so long. It has required unmatched selflessness and courage. We need him to put us first, as he has done before. I urge him to do it now.
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Opinion | Democratic Sen. Peter Welch: Biden should withdraw for the good of the country - The Washington Post
Said Biden should step aside
Brittany Pettersen
Representative, Colorado
With deep appreciation and love, @joebiden please pass the torch. July 12
Hillary Scholten
Representative, Michigan
It has become clear over the last several weeks that a change needs to be made. July 11
Previous statement
We have heard concerns from people who saw the president on Thursday night. I felt concerned and raised those concerns. July 1
Greg Stanton
Representative, Arizona
For our countrys sake, it is time for the president to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders. July 11
Scott Peters
Representative, California
Today I ask President Biden to withdraw from the presidential campaign. The stakes are high, and we are on a losing course. July 11
Previous statement
The question just now is, is this a candidate who can win the election? Because as much as I love Joe Biden, in those swing states, hes having a hard time. July 3
Eric Sorensen
Representative, Illinois
In 2020, Joe Biden ran for President with the purpose of putting country over party. Today, I am asking him to do that again. July 11
Brad Schneider
Representative, Illinois
I fear if he fails to make the right choice, our democracy will hang in the balance. July 11
Marie Gluesenkamp Perez
Representative, Washington
Americans deserve to feel their president is fit enough to do the job. The crisis of confidence in the Presidents leadership needs to come to an end. July 11
Previous statement
We all saw what we saw. You cant undo that. July 2*
Jim Himes
Representative, Connecticut
We must put forth the strongest candidate possible to confront the threat posed by Trumps promised MAGA authoritarianism. I no longer believe that is Joe Biden. July 11
Ed Case
Representative, Hawaii
This is solely about the future, about the presidents ability to continue in the most difficult job in the world for another four-year term. July 11
Peter Welch
Senator, Vermont
For the good of the country, Im calling on President Biden to withdraw from the race. July 10
Previous statement
I really do criticize the campaign for a dismissive attitude towards people who are raising questions for discussion. July 1
Pat Ryan
Representative, New York
For the good of our country, for my two young kids, Im asking Joe Biden to step aside in the upcoming election and deliver on the promise to be a bridge to a new generation of leaders. July 10
Earl Blumenauer
Representative, Oregon
While this is a decision for the president and the first lady, I hope they will come to the conclusion that I and others have: President Biden should not be the Democratic presidential nominee. July 10
Antonio Delgado
Lieutenant Governor, New York
He can add to his legacy, showing his strength and grace, by ending his campaign and making room for a new leader. July 10
Mikie Sherrill
Representative, New Jersey
And because I know President Biden cares deeply about the future of our country, I am asking that he declare that he wont run for reelection and will help lead us through a process toward a new nominee. July 9
Adam Smith
Representative, Washington
I think its become clear that hes not the best person to carry the Democratic message. July 8
Angie Craig
Representative, Minnesota
I do not believe that the President can effectively campaign and win against Donald Trump. July 6
Lloyd Doggett
Representative, Texas
The need for him to step aside is more urgent tonight than when I first called for it on Tuesday. July 5
Mike Quigley
Representative, Illinois
I would say: Mr. President, your legacy is set. We owe you the greatest debt of gratitude. The only thing that you can do now to cement that for all time and prevent utter catastrophe is to step down and let someone else do this. July 5
Previous statement
It has to be his decision. We have to be honest with ourselves. It wasnt just a horrible night. July 2
Seth Moulton
Representative, Massachusetts
President Biden has done enormous service to our country, but now is the time for him to follow in one of our founding father, George Washingtons footsteps and step aside to let new leaders rise up and run against Donald Trump. July 4
Previous statement
I deeply respect President Biden and all the great things he has done for America, but I have grave concerns about his ability to defeat Donald Trump. July 3
Ral M. Grijalva
Representative, Arizona
What he needs to do is shoulder the responsibility for keeping that seat and part of that responsibility is to get out of this race. July 3
Marianne Williamson
2024 Democratic presidential candidate
The time is now for another Democratic candidate to take his place on the November ballot. July 2
Julin Castro
Former Housing and Urban Development secretary
Another Democrat would have a better shot at beating Trump. July 2
Tim Ryan
Former Representative, Ohio
After deep reflection over these past few days, I strongly believe that our best path forward is Kamala Harris. July 1
Tom Harkin
Former Senator, Iowa
I think the president should step aside and let the convention pick a new candidate. June 30*
R.T. Rybak
Former D.N.C. vice chair
It is absolutely not too late to pick a new candidate. June 30
Expressed concern
Jeff Merkley
Senator, Oregon
I think you should ask Joe Biden if he can win. July 11,answering the question of whether he thinks the president can prevail in November.
Ritchie Torres
Representative, New York
The President did not just have one bad debate. The reality we saw with our own lying eyes is evidence of a deeper challenge. July 11
Gerald E. Connolly
Representative, Virginia
Polling data is not encouraging right now, and I hope the White House takes that into account as well. July 11
Previous statement
I dont think we know that yet. July 5,answering the question of whether Biden still gives his party the best chance to win in November.
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Which Democrats Have Called for Biden to Drop Out of the Race? - The New York Times