The Democratic National Committee's policy arm has held a meeting ahead of its plans to hold a virtual slate by Aug. 7 to nominate a new presidential candidate ahead of the party's convention later this month in Chicago, the Democratic National Committee said. TRT World.
But when US President Joe Biden insisted he would remain in the race against Republican candidate Donald Trump, Democrats struggled to unite behind a replacement candidate.
As Trump wraps up a rousing Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on Thursday, these are crucial days for Biden and his party.
As a result, Democrats, seemingly racing against time, have been considering the extraordinary possibility of replacing Biden with a new presidential candidate before their own convention.
President Barack Obama and House Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi are among prominent Democrats who have expressed concern about Biden's chances.
Pelosi has also privately told Biden that the party could lose the ability to take control of the House if he does not step aside.
New Mexico Senator Martin also called on the US president to drop out of the race, becoming the third Democratic senator to do so.
“By passing the torch, it would ensure his legacy as one of our nation's greatest leaders and allow us to unite behind a candidate who can best defeat Donald Trump and safeguard the future of our democracy,” said Heinrich, who is running for reelection.
Additionally, Reps. Jared Huffman, Mark Veasey, Chuy Garcia and Mark Pocan, who represented a broad swath of the House caucus, called on Biden to step aside.
“We must defeat Donald Trump to save our democracy,” they wrote.
Separately, Rep. Sean Casten of Illinois wrote in an op-ed that “with heavy hearts and much personal reflection,” he too was calling on Biden to “pass the torch to a new generation.”
Despite calls for Biden to resign, he said on Friday that he would remain in the race.
“The stakes are high and the choice is clear. Together, we will win,” the 81-year-old said in a statement from his Delaware beach home where he is self-isolating due to COVID.
“I look forward to getting back on the campaign trail next week,” Biden added, as his doctor said the president was recovering from symptoms of the disease.
