Rep. Adam Schiff on Wednesday took a significant step by becoming the most prominent elected Democrat to suggest President Joe Biden withdraw from the presidential race.
Schiff, who is campaigning for the US Senate in California, is the first Democrat to publicly urge Biden to step aside following the recent failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. His call is particularly noteworthy because he represents a solidly Democratic district and maintains close ties with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
In a statement, Schiff said, “While the choice to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden’s alone, I believe it is time for him to pass the torch. And in doing so, secure his legacy of leadership by allowing us to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election.”
Schiff, known for his role as an impeachment manager during one of Trump’s impeachments and as a fierce critic of the former president, praised Biden’s legacy but emphasized that “our nation is at a crossroads.”
“A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about whether the President can defeat Donald Trump in November,” Schiff added.
In the wake of Biden’s poor performance in a recent CNN debate, Schiff had previously suggested that the president should “take a moment to make the best-informed judgment” about his campaign’s future.
In response, a Biden campaign official highlighted a July 8 letter from Biden to congressional Democrats affirming his intention to stay in the race. The letter also noted support from Democratic lawmakers, including the Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Nanette Barragan.
The Democratic Party remains divided on the best path forward amid concerns that Biden’s debate performance indicates he may not be able to defeat Trump and could jeopardize down-ballot Democrats in November’s elections. Earlier Wednesday, CNN reported that the Democratic National Committee is proceeding with its plan to virtually nominate Biden ahead of the Democratic convention in Chicago next month, despite growing calls from some party officials to reconsider this strategy.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.