Joe Biden (D) withdrew from the presidential race on July 21, 2024.[1] This page provides quotes from Democratic elected officials on Biden's presidential campaign between the June 27 presidential debate and Biden's withdrawal. Click here to read more about Biden's withdrawal.
Following the first 2024 presidential debate, Democratic elected officials commented publicly on President Joe Biden's (D) debate performance and his presidential candidacy. The Associated Press' Farnoush Amiri wrote, "It all amounts to a stunning and swift turn of events for Biden, his campaign and his allies on Capitol Hill, who have spent the better part of the last several years combatting criticism about the president’s fitness and defending his ability to serve another four-year term, at the end of which he would be 86 years old. But Biden’s shaky performance during the debate with Trump has shaken Democratic support to its foundations, with members of the party at all levels entertaining the possibility that he can no longer be the nominee."[2]
Biden responded to initial criticisms of his debate performance on June 28, the day after the debate, saying, "I know I'm not a young man. I don't walk as easily as I used to. I don't talk as smoothly as I used to. I don't debate as well as I used to. But, I know what I do know. I know how to tell the truth. I know right from wrong. I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done. [...] Folks, I give you my word as a Biden, I would not be running again if I didn't believe, with all my heart and soul that I can do this job because, quite frankly, the stakes are too high."[3]
On July 2, 2024, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) became the first Democratic federal elected official to call on Biden to withdraw from the race in the wake of the debate. A total of 32 members of the U.S. House of Representatives called on Biden to withdraw. On July 10, U.S. Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) became the first senator to call on Biden to suspend his campaign. Five members of the U.S. Senate called on Biden to withdraw.
Click here to view a list of U.S. House members who said Biden should withdraw from the race. Click the links below to view various statements about Biden's candidacy from Democratic Party officials, organized by date:
List of U.S. Congress members who said Biden should withdraw from the race
From June 27, 2024, to July 21, 2024, 32 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and five members of the U.S. Senate publicly said Biden should suspend his presidential campaign. Click the names in the table below to view their statements.
Comments from U.S. Congress members on Joe Biden's 2024 presidential campaign
President Biden’s greatest accomplishment remains saving democracy in 2020. He can and must do so again in 2024 — by passing the torch to Vice President Harris as the Democratic Party Presidential nominee.[6][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) on July 20, 2024
While the decision to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden’s alone, I believe it is in the best interests of our country for him to step aside. By passing the torch, he would secure 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.[7][5]
”
—U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) on July 19, 2024
Over the last few weeks, I've heard from Ohioans on important issues, such as how to continue to grow jobs in our state, give law enforcement the resources to crack down on fentanyl, protect Social Security and Medicare from cuts, and prevent the ongoing efforts to impose a national abortion ban. These are the issues Ohioans care about and it is my job to keep fighting for them. I agree with the many Ohioans who have reached out to me. At this critical time, our full attention must return to those important issues. I think the President should end his campaign.[8][5]
”
—U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) on July 19, 2024
Mr. President, with great admiration for you personally, sincere respect for your decades of public service and patriotic leadership, and deep appreciation for everything we have accomplished together during your presidency, it is now time for you to pass the torch to a new generation of Democratic leaders. We must defeat Donald Trump to save our democracy, protect our alliances and the rules-based international order, and continue building on the strong foundation you have established over the past four years.[9][5]
”
—U.S. Reps. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Marc Veasey (D-Texas), Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.), and Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) on July 19, 2024
I have listened intently to your reflections on the possibility that you might step aside as presumptive Democratic nominee for President. You have righteously detailed many of the policy achievements that have benefited the American people. Democrats in the House and Senate did that with you and we have much to be proud of. Your lifetime of public service has inspired many and is something I respect greatly. [...] As I am aware that you have been provided data indicating that you in all likelihood will lose the race for President, I will not go through it again. Simply put, your candidacy is on a trajectory to lose the White House and potentially impact crucial House and Senate races down ballot. It is for these reasons that I urge you to step aside from our Party’s nomination to allow another Democratic candidate to compete against and beat Donald Trump in the November election.[10][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) on July 19, 2024
If the upcoming election is a referendum on past performance, future promises and character, I have every confidence Biden would win. But politics, like life, isn’t fair. And as long as this election is instead litigated over which candidate is more likely to be held accountable for public gaffes and 'senior moments,' I believe that Biden is not only going to lose but is also uniquely incapable of shifting that conversation. It is with a heavy heart and much personal reflection that I am therefore calling on Biden to pass the torch to a new generation.[12][5]
There has never been any doubt that [Biden] genuinely cares about our country, our government, and the people who make it great. That's why there is no joy in the recognition he should not be our nominee in November. [...] President Biden is a good man who cares deeply about the American people. I trust that he will do what's best for the nation, and we will come together as Democrats to move the country forward.[13][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.) on July 19, 2024
Winning in November and defeating [former President Donald] Trump's dangerous, hate-filled agenda must be Democrats' sole focus. To give Democrats a strong, viable path to winning the White House, I am calling upon President Biden to release his delegates and empower Vice President Harris to step forward to become the Democratic nominee for president.[14][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) on July 19, 2024
President Joe Biden is an honorable public servant who has dedicated his career to bettering the lives of all Americans. We owe him a great debt of gratitude for his time serving our nation. [...] However, I believe too many of our fundamental freedoms and the wellbeing of our nation are at risk under a Trump presidency, and President Biden should step aside to give Democrats the best opportunity to win this November.[15][5]
It is time for President Biden to step aside and allow us to nominate a new leader who can reliably and consistently make the case against Donald Trump and make the case for the future of America[16][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) on July 19, 2024
Montanans have put their trust in me to do what is right, and it is a responsibility I take seriously. I have worked with President Biden when it has made Montana stronger, and I’ve never been afraid to stand up to him when he is wrong. [...] And while I appreciate his commitment to public service and our country, I believe President Biden should not seek re-election to another term.[18][5]
Schiff released an exclusive statement to the Los Angeles Times. The Los Angeles Times' Kevin Rector wrote, "Schiff said the 'choice to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden’s alone,' but that he believes it is time for Biden 'to pass the torch' and 'secure his legacy of leadership' by allowing another Democrat to beat Trump." Schiff was also quoted as saying:
“
[Biden] has been one of the most consequential presidents in our nation’s history, and his lifetime of service as a Senator, a Vice President, and now as President has made our country better. But 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.[19][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) on July 17, 2024
Well, again, I cannot speak for the President, all I can say is what I believe, in the concerns that I have and I've been very clear about those concerns, because that is my duty to Colorado, that is my duty to my constituents and to my country. That is my oath, my duty is to make sure that we can address the challenges before us, and we can win this campaign.[20][5]
Sanders is an independent who caucuses with Democrats in the U.S. Senate.
“
For over two weeks now, the corporate media has obsessively focused on the June presidential debate and the cognitive capabilities of a man who has, perhaps, the most difficult and stressful job in the world. The media has frantically searched for every living human being who no longer supports the president or any neurologist who wants to appear on TV. Unfortunately, too many Democrats have joined that circular firing squad.
Yes. I know: Mr. Biden is old, is prone to gaffes, walks stiffly and had a disastrous debate with Mr. Trump. But this I also know: A presidential election is not an entertainment contest. It does not begin or end with a 90-minute debate.
Enough! Mr. Biden may not be the ideal candidate, but he will be the candidate and should be the candidate. And with an effective campaign that speaks to the needs of working families, he will not only defeat Mr. Trump but beat him badly. It’s time for Democrats to stop the bickering and nit-picking.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag[5]
President Biden is a good man who has served this country faithfully and admirably over his decades of service. I had the privilege of being an organizer on his 2008 campaign, and he is a big reason I went down the path of public service myself. I have deep admiration and love for Joe Biden and all he has done for our country, which is why this decision is so painful, but my son and my constituents can't suffer the consequences of inaction at this critical moment. Joe Biden saved our country once, and I'm joining the growing number of people in my district and across the country to ask him to do it again. Please pass the torch to one of our many capable Democratic leaders so we have the best chance to defeat Donald Trump, who is the greatest threat to the foundation of this country that we have ever faced.[21][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.) on July 12, 2024
The Democratic Party must have a nominee who can effectively make the case against Trump, and have the confidence of the American people to handle the rigors of the hardest job on the planet for the next four years. For the sake of American democracy, and to continue to make progress on our shared priorities, I believe it is time for the President to step aside as our nominee.[22][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) on July 11, 2024
The 2024 election will define the future of American democracy, and we must put forth the strongest candidate possible to confront the threat posed by Trump's promised MAGA authoritarianism. I no longer believe that is Joe Biden, and I hope that, as he has throughout a lifetime of public service, he will continue to put our nation first and, as he promised, make way for a new generation of leaders.[24][5]
My guidepost is what is the best way forward for our country. I do not believe President Biden should continue his candidacy for re-election as President.[25][5]
I love President Biden. I am forever grateful for his leadership and service to our nation. The time has come, however, for President Biden to heroically pass the torch to a new generation of leadership. [...] I fear if he fails to make the right choice, our democracy will hang in the balance.[26][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) on July 11, 2024
In 2020, Joe Biden ran for President with the purpose of putting country over party. Today, I am asking him to do that again. [...] And today, I am hopeful President Biden will step aside in his campaign for president.[27][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.) on July 11, 2024
President Biden has secured an incredible legacy during his lifetime of public service. The president's tremendous achievements on infrastructure, healthcare costs, climate change, and gun safety follow a distinguished career in the Senate, which included landmark accomplishments such as the Violence Against Women's Act. President Biden has spent his life serving our nation and building the next generation of American leadership. For the good of our democracy, I believe it is time for him to step aside from the presidential race and allow a new leader to step up.[28][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.) on July 11, 2024
The President did not just have one “bad debate.” The reality we saw with our own lying eyes is evidence of a deeper challenge.The notion that the President is going to be saved by this interview or that press conference misses the forest for trees. I will respectfully listen to the President’s press conference tonight and the interview on Monday evening but the ability to survive a single public appearance is the bear minimum of what should be expected of a Democratic Nominee. Neither the press conference tonight nor the NBC interview on Monday evening will offer the President the political salvation he seems to be seeking. If the President formally becomes the Democratic Nominee, we will have no choice but to make the best of a complicated situation. But there is no point in denying the complications.[29][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) on July 11, 2024
I doubt the President's judgement about his health, his fitness to do the job, and whether he is the one making important decisions about our country, rather than unelected advisors. Americans deserve to feel their president is fit enough to do the job. The crisis of confidence in the President's leadership needs to come to an end. The President should do what he knows is right for the country and put national interest first.[30][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) on July 11, 2024
The President has to make that decision. I believe ultimately he is going to do what's in the best interest of the country. I'm going to give him some time to make that decision.[32][5]
If he believes fully that he can do this, I will respect that judgment. But I also completely believe that if he has doubts about whether he can do it, he'll level with the American public about it. [...] Any advice that I have for the President, I'm going to share with the President. I don't feel the need to share it beyond that.[33][5]
For the good of the country, I’m calling on President Biden to withdraw from the race. [...] 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 can’t win this time, and they’re terrified of another Trump presidency. These are real concerns of regular voters who I’ve heard from recently — like a mom who counts on the child tax credit and seniors who rely on Medicare. [...] 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.[34][5]
It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run. We’re all encouraging him to to make that decision. Because time is running short. [...] I want him to do whatever he decides to do. And that’s the way it is. Whatever he decides, we go with.[35][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on July 10, 2024
I’d be doing a grave disservice if I said he was the best candidate to serve this fall. [...] For the good of our country, for my two young kids, I’m 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.[36][5]
In determining how to proceed as a party, there must be a serious reckoning with the down-ballot effect of whomever we nominate. What matters is not how we feel but what the numbers tell us. An unsentimental analysis of the cold hard numbers -- which have no personal feelings or political loyalties -- should inform what we decide and whom we nominate. If we're going to choose a particular path, we should be clear-eyed about its consequences. Blindness is not bliss amid the terrifying threat of a Trump presidency.[37][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) on July 10, 2024
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. It is a painful and difficult conclusion but there is no question in my mind that we will all be better served if the president steps aside as the Democratic nominee and manages a transition under his terms.[38][5]
I believe the entire future of our country is at stake. People say, I hear them all the time, this is the most existential election, this is the most important election. This is the most important election. We are really behind. The president did not do a good job during the debate and the week since has been a really tough week for the White House. And I think it's critically important that they address the concerns of the American people, not ignore them.[39][5]
One of President Biden's most significant accomplishments was defeating a man who represented an existential threat to the nation and the institutions upon which this country was founded: former President, Donald J. Trump. That's why I ran for office in the first place. I know we cannot allow Trump to return to the White House and implement his dangerous Project 2025 plan that hurts the middle class and threatens rights and freedoms, including abortion. [...] I know that President Biden and his team have been true public servants and have put the country and the best interests of democracy first and foremost in their considerations. And because I know President Biden cares deeply about the future of our country, I am asking that he declare that he won't run for reelection and will help lead us through a process toward a new nominee.[40][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) on July 9, 2024
President Biden has got to prove to the American people—including me—that he's up to the job for another four years. Meanwhile, I’ll continue to do what I’ve always done: Stand up to President Biden when he’s wrong and protect our Montana way of life.[42][5]
I spoke with the president extensively this weekend. He has made abundantly clear that he is in this race. He has made abundantly clear that he is not leaving the race. He is the nominee. I am making sure that I support him and making sure that we win in November. [...] Now what I think the president does need to do is continue to lean in and move further towards the working class, and be more assertive in providing an affirmative vision for this country, and expanding in his policies and vision for a second term. And if we can do that, if we can expand on health care, if we can make sure that people's rents and mortgages are affordable, if we can actually provide and chart out a future that is more leaning into the needs of working people, then I think we can chart a path to win.[45][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on July 8, 2024
President Biden should end his candidacy for a second term as President and release his delegates to the Democratic National Convention to enable the party to nominate a new candidate for President. This must happen as soon as possible to give the new ticket the maximum amount of time to make its case to the American people. Any candidate for the highest office in our nation has a strong burden to bear. That candidate must be able to clearly, articulately, and strongly make his or her case to the American people. It is clear that President Biden is no longer able to meet this burden.[46][5]
In a confidential conversation with other members of House Democratic leadership, I expressed the same concerns that Americans across the country are grappling with, about President Biden's electability at the top of the ticket. It is not helpful to the country for this difficult process to play out amidst leaks and rumors. The Democratic Caucus in Congress is a very diverse group, and there are many opinions about what should next happen. For that reason, I've always felt it important that people are able to speak their minds in a confidential setting, so that we can all benefit from what others are thinking. In the coming days and weeks, I will operate as I always have, continuing to have these important conversations while keeping the best interests of my constituents at the forefront of every decision and statement I make.[47][5]
I have great respect for President Biden's decades of service to our nation and his steadfast commitment to making our country a better place. I've worked with the President and members of both parties to pass critical legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the CHIPS and Science Act. [...] However, given what I saw and heard from the President during last week's debate in Atlanta, coupled with the lack of a forceful response from the President himself following that debate, I do not believe that the President can effectively campaign and win against Donald Trump. This is not a decision I've come to lightly, but there is simply too much at stake to risk a second Donald Trump presidency. That's why I respectfully call on President Biden to step aside as the Democratic nominee for a second term as President and allow for a new generation of leaders to step forward.[48][5]
I had a hard time processing, getting to that point with him, as I think anybody would who respects him [Biden] so much. 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.' Because, I think, day one, we're back in a dogfight. All of a sudden, all the things we're talking about with President Biden, we've got a lot more we can talk about with Trump. Not just that he lied 28 times during the debate and that he's an absolute monster, but he has cognitive issues.[49][5]
President Biden saved our democracy in 2020 and has done an outstanding job over the last four years. I am deeply grateful for his leadership. And I know he agrees this is the most important election of our lifetimes. The best way forward right now is a decision for the President to make. Over the coming days, I urge him to listen to the American people and carefully evaluate whether he remains our best hope to defeat Donald Trump. Whatever President Biden decides, I am committed to doing everything in my power to defeat Donald Trump.[50][5]
If he’s the candidate, I’m going to support him, but I think that this is an opportunity to look elsewhere. 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.[51][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) on July 3, 2024
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. Beating Trump is imperative for the future of our democracy, especially now that the Supreme Court just handed him a blank check to act like a king. Winning will require prosecuting the case in the media, in town halls, and at campaign stops all over the country. President Biden needs to demonstrate that he can do that. The unfortunate reality is that the status quo will likely deliver us President Trump. When your current strategy isn't working, it's rarely the right decision to double down. President Biden is not going to get younger. [...] I've always said that America needs to elevate a new generation of leaders, and I respect those colleagues who have already spoken out. We should have all viable options on the table.[52][5]
We had a good meeting with the President talking about what's needed to win. Donald Trump is an existential threat to our democracy and everyone in the room agreed that defeating him is imperative. President Biden told us he is definitely running for re-election, he is our nominee and we'll continue doing everything we can to deliver North Carolina for him.[54][5]
MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell asked Pelosi, "Do you have questions as to whether this was a one bad night, or whether there is something more serious involved?" Pelosi responded saying:
“
We have all these things that he [Biden] was masterful in helping to write and to pass. So he has a vision, he has knowledge, he has judgement, he has strategic thinking and the rest, he has a bad night. Now again, I think it's a legitimate question to say: is this an episode, or is this a condition? So when people ask that question, it's completely legitimate — of both candidates.[59][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on July 2, 2024
If I were to talk to the president today, I would advise him that the decision he has to make now is clearly only his. And as much I greatly respect him and appreciate the extraordinary job--I think his four years are one of the great presidencies of our lifetime. But I think he has to be honest with himself. This is a decision he's going to have to make. He clearly has to understand [...] his decision not only impacts who's going to serve in the White House the next four years, but who's going to serve in the Senate, who's going to serve in the House, and it will have implications for decades to come. [...] I think what I'm stressing is that it has to be his decision, but we have to be honest with ourselves that it wasn't just a horrible night. But I won't go beyond that out of my respect and understanding, President Joe Biden [is] a very proud person who has served us extraordinarily well for 50 years.[60][5]
After the first presidential debate, lots of Democrats are panicking about whether President Joe Biden should step down as the party’s nominee. Biden’s poor performance in the debate was not a surprise. It also didn’t rattle me as it has others, because the outcome of this election has been clear to me for months: While I don’t plan to vote for him, Donald Trump is going to win. And I’m OK with that. There are winners and losers in every election. Democrats’ post-debate hand-wringing is based on the idea that a Trump victory is not just a political loss, but a unique threat to our democracy. I reject the premise. Unlike Biden and many others, I refuse to participate in a campaign to scare voters with the idea that Trump will end our democratic system.[61][5]
We are the party of democracy and freedom right now and everybody is asking one question within the Democratic Party and I know that's true of President Biden and Vice President Harris and my friend Lloyd Doggett and everybody in the House and the Senate and all of the members of the Democratic party, the tens of millions of people across the country, which is: how do we defeat Donald Trump and how are we going to defeat the threat of authoritarianism and keep the progress of democracy and freedom moving forward in the country. And we are not operating like an authoritarian religious cult the way the Republican Party operates now. There will be lots of discussion and lots of people weighing in. And I know this is a moving target, it's got to happen quickly, but I can guarantee you there will be massive unity and focus on that task when we get to the end of this process. And it's happening very quickly I think.[63][5]
MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell asked Clyburn, "How would you feel if there is a decision for him [Biden] to step down, if he decides that, [...] how would you feel if they worked around and tried to go around Kamala Harris because of her lack of high poll numbers and popularity broadly based? Do you think it's her's to have if it's not his?" Clyburn responded, saying:
“
I would support her if he were to step aside. But I want to support her going forward sometime in the future. I want this ticket to continue to be Biden-Harris. And then we'll see what happens after the next election. No, this party should not, in any way, do anything to work around Ms. Harris. We should do everything we can to bolster her, whether she's second place or at the top of the ticket.[64][5]
President Biden has continued to run substantially behind Democratic senators in key states and in most polls has trailed Donald Trump. I had hoped that the debate would provide some momentum to change that. It did not. Instead of reassuring voters, the President failed to effectively defend his many accomplishments and expose Trump's many lies. [...] I represent the heart of a congressional district once represented by Lyndon Johnson. Under very different circumstances, he made the painful decision to withdraw. President Biden should do the same. While much of his work has been transformational, he pledged to be transitional. He has the opportunity to encourage a new generation of leaders from whom a nominee can be chosen to unite our country through an open, democratic process. My decision to make these strong reservations public is not done lightly nor does it in any way diminish my respect for all that President Biden has achieved, recognizing that, unlike Trump, President Biden's first commitment has always been to our country, not himself, I am hopeful that he will make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw.[65][66][5]
About 50 million Americans tuned in and watched that debate. I was one of them for about five very painful minutes. We all saw what we saw, you can’t undo that, and the truth I think, is that Biden is going to lose to Trump. I know that’s difficult, but I think the damage has been done by that debate. [...] A core tenet of democracy is that you accept the results of an election and the reality is that primary voting has already happened to a degree that Biden is the nominee.[67][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) on July 2, 2024
Right now, Joe Biden is our nominee and I'm 100% on board with supporting him as our nominee, unless he makes some other decision and then I think we're all going to be discussing what's the best way forward. [...] He's the nominee of our party unless he says otherwise.[68][5]
When you see somebody, one of the first things you ask is, ‘How are you doing?’ And oftentimes we get way too much information in that response. It’s something that we are used to talking about. Now, that’s part of our culture. So, I don’t think it’s an attack on the White House or an attack on the president — who is a good man and a nice man — to just say, ‘Tell us a little bit more about how you’re doing.’ [...] If you’ve got two separate grandparents that you can leave your kids with — one is kind and has been good to them, maybe stiffer, may have had a bad debate, and one is angry and talks about getting revenge on people — who are you going to trust your kids with? And should we entrust the country with any less?[69][5]
His life story, almost every step of the way — including through tragedy — is the story of a guy who’s been counted out and succeeds against all expectations and all odds. And he’s in another one of those moments.[70][5]
I think like a lot of people I was pretty horrified by the debate. The blips of President Biden and the barrage of lying from President Trump were not what one would hope for in a presidential debate. [...] I think people want to make sure that this is a campaign that’s ready to go and win, that the president and his team are being candid with us about his condition — that this was a real anomaly and not just the way he is these days. I’ve been critical of the campaign all along, so the upside is that this could be the jolt that they need to make a more compelling case against Donald Trump and for President Biden and the goals Democrats want to achieve.[71][5]
In response to a Biden campaign memo that said, "The bedwetting brigade is calling for Joe Biden to ‘drop out,'" Welch said:[72]
“
I really do criticize the campaign for a dismissive attitude towards people who are raising questions for discussion. That’s just facing the reality that we’re in. That’s hardly — I won’t repeat their term. But that’s the discussion we have to have. It has to be from the top levels of the Biden campaign to precinct captains in the southside of Chicago. The campaign has raised the concerns themselves. So then to be dismissive of others who raise those concerns, I think it’s inappropriate.[73][5]
President Biden is the nominee. There was a process through the primary system. We have delegates who are committed to President Biden. [...] In all honesty, I think people have a genuine concern. And that’s OK. We should be honest with people. We should be transparent with people. But at the same time, everybody knows how high the stakes are. Make no mistake about it — we cannot have former President Trump return to the White House by any means. And that’s what most of my conversations with fellow Democrats have focused on.[74][5]
This is what a real political party looks lie, and this is what a real political party does. Obviously, there was a big problem with Joe Biden's debate performance and there's also a tremendous reservoir of affection and love for Joe Biden in our party. So this makes it a difficult situation for everybody, but there are very honest and serious and rigorous conversations taking place at every level of our party because it is a political party and we have differences in point of view. I mean if you compare that to the nonexistent dialogue and conversation that took place in the Republican Party after Donald Trump's criminal conviction on 34 counts, it's remarkable. We're having a serious conversation about what to do. One thing I can tell you is that regardless of what President Biden decides, our party is going to be unified and our party also needs him at the very center of our deliberations and our campaign. And so, whether he's the candidate or someone else is the candidate, he;s going to be the keynote speaker at our convention. He will be the figure that we rally around to move forward and beat the forces of authoritarianism and reaction in the country.[75][5]
I’ve been very clear that it was an underwhelming performance on Thursday, during the debate, as President Biden and his campaign have acknowledged. It certainly was a setback. But of course, I believe a setback is nothing more than a setup for a comeback.[75][5]
I know I'm not a young man. I don't walk as easily as I used to. I don't talk as smoothly as I used to. I don't debate as well as I used to. But, I know what I do know. I know how to tell the truth. I know right from wrong. I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done. I know, like millions of Americans, when you get knocked down, you get back up. I know what it took to take our economy from the depths of the pandemic to where it is today, the strongest economy in the world. I know what it will take to bring this economy to everybody. I know what it'll take to rally the world to stand up against Putin and defend freedom. And I know what it takes to keep the world safe and free for the years ahead. Folks, I give you my word as a Biden, I would not be running again if I didn't believe, with all my heart and soul that I can do this job because, quite frankly, the stakes are too high.[76][5]
I refuse to join the Democratic vultures on Biden’s shoulder after the debate. No one knows more than me that a rough debate is not the sum total of the person and their record. Morning-after thermonuclear beat downs from my race from the debate and polling geniuses like 538 predicted l’d lose by 2. And what happened? The only seat to flip and won by a historic margin (+5). Chill the fuck out.[77][5]
It’s the difference between a bad initial debate and a very bad presidency, which Donald Trump can claim — and also a much worse presidency going forward. [...] It’s his [Biden's] decision what he wants to do going forward.[74][5]
There’s a lot of processing that I and many of my colleagues are doing, but it wasn’t a good night. [...] Every superdelegate, every Democrat needs to do soul-searching, and we need to focus on winning.[78][5]
When you’re president, you have a team of 4,000 people. We have a great team of people that will help govern, and that is what I’m going to continue to make the case for.[78][5]
There is a great responsibility being borne by he and the first lady to make the most responsible decision that will enable Democrats to continue to formulate a winning ticket up and down the ticket.[78][5]
Joe Biden didn’t do well last night. [...] Do I think that the White House should have told us that Joe Biden had a cold so that we’re ready for his raspy voice? Yes.[78][5]
”
—U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) on June 28, 2024
President Biden is scheduled to speak today around noon, as I understand it, in North Carolina. I'm looking forward to hearing from President Biden. And until he articulates a way forward in terms of his vision for America at this moment, I'm going to reserve comment about anything relative to where we are at this moment, other than to say I stand behind the ticket. I stand behind the Senate Democratic majority. And of course, we're going to do everything that we need to do as House Democrats to win.[81][5]
I was very proud of the President tonight. So from my humble perspective, this is not about style this is about delivering results for the American people and tonight I think Joe Biden not only asserted himself, he reminded people of his accomplishments and his vision for the future.[83][5]
Joe Biden had a bad debate performance — it was tough to watch. We also saw Donald Trump stand up there and lie, and brag about overturning Roe once again, and taking away health care for women. I also heard him talk about his refusal to accept the results of the last election and refuse to commit to accepting the results of the next election, and refusing to denounce the insurrectionists. So, you know, it’s more of the same from Donald Trump, and we know the stakes couldn’t be higher.[84][5]
Well, the president didn’t have a good night, but neither did Donald Trump with lie after lie and his dark vision for America. We cannot send Donald Trump back to the White House. He’s an existential threat to our nation.[85][5]
I think Joe Biden had a bad debate night, but it doesn't change the fact that Donald Trump was a bad president. [...] [Trump] stood on the stage last night and not only lied about his past, but lied about the kinds of things he's proposing for the future. That is what I took away from this debate, that's what I saw, and I think we still have a clear contrast in this race. Nothing about the debate changed that last night.[86][5]
What we saw tonight is the president making a very clear contrast with Donald Trump on all the issues that matter to the American people. Yes, there was a slow start, but it was a strong finish. And what became very clear through the course of the night is that Joe Biden is fighting on behalf of the American people, on substance, on policy, on performance. Joe Biden is extraordinarily strong, and that cannot be debated.[87][5]
On July 21, 2024, President Joe Biden (D) announced on social media platform X that he was ending his campaign for re-election.[88] In a statement, Biden said:
“
It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.[5]
”
In a separate post on X, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris (D) to replace him at the top of the ticket: "Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats—it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this."[89]
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Kamala Harris (D)
Donald Trump (R) (won)
Jill Stein (G)
Chase Oliver (L)
