Oregon Lawmaker Becomes Ninth Democrat Calling on Joe Biden to Step Down from the Presidential Race
![Representative Earl Blumenauer of Oregon](https://www.dailytidings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Representative-Earl-Blumenauer-of-Oregon.jpg)
Oregon Democrat Rep. Earl Blumenauer has joined a growing chorus of House Democrats appealing to President Joe Biden to step down from the presidential race.
Blumenauer Says it’s About Protecting Democracy
Blumenauer, the ninth House Democrat publicly calling on President Biden to step down from the race, says the request is not about extending his presidency, but rather about protecting democracy.
‘President Biden should not be the Democrat presidential nominee’ says Blumenauer, adding his voice to the growing list of House Democrats who are appealing to President Biden and the first lady to step down from public office.
Expressing concern about the Democrats chances of winning the November election, Blumenauer says despite President Biden’s ‘accomplishments under difficult circumstances’ and ‘unprecedented achievements’ during his term of office, the question now facing the country is whether he should continue his candidacy for re-election.
Biden is Jeopardizing Chances of Keeping the White House
Blumenauer’s appeal highlights the fear expressed by House Democrats that Biden’s presidential candidacy jeopardizes both the party’s ability to keep the White House, and its chances of flipping the House. A recent forecast by Decision Desk HQ found that there is a 65 percent chance that Republicans will keep the House, with a 58 percent chance of taking control of the White House.
Biden Cannot Win the Battle Against Time says George Clooney
While Biden appears to be steadfast in his decision to stand for re-election, there is a growing chorus of voices calling for his retirement. These voices include those of pro-Biden celebrities such as George Clooney who recently raised $30 million together with Julia Roberts and former president Barack Obama for the Biden campaign.
Writing about the 81-year-old commander-in-chief, Clooney said ‘the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time.’
Democrats Appealing for Biden to Step Down
Apart from Blumenauer, the eight other House Democrats calling on Biden to step down from the race are Reps. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.), and Adam Smith (D-Wash.).