Democrats Dismiss Biden: Jim Himes Leads Growing Calls for President to Step Down

In a dramatic turn of events, Representative Jim Himes (D-CT), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, has publicly called for President Joe Biden to step aside and allow another candidate to take his place in the 2024 presidential race. This announcement, made shortly after Biden's "big boy press conference" on Thursday night, signals a potential wave of Democratic dissent against Biden's re-election bid. Himes expressed his concern that Biden might not be the strongest candidate to confront the threat posed by Donald Trump’s "promised MAGA authoritarianism."

Himes praised Biden for his record of public service and secure legacy as a great president, urging the 81-year-old leader to prioritize the nation's future by stepping down. "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," Himes stated. He emphasized that Biden should not risk his legacy and the stability of American democracy in the face of Trump’s looming threat.

Within half an hour, Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA) echoed Himes' sentiments, further intensifying the call for Biden to withdraw. Peters stated, "The stakes are high, and we are on a losing course," reinforcing the sense of urgency among Democrats to reassess their strategy for the upcoming election. The coordinated effort among House Democrats, with more than a dozen members now calling for Biden to abandon his campaign, indicates a growing unease within the party about Biden's viability as a candidate.

The chorus of voices urging Biden to step down extends beyond Capitol Hill. Prominent Democratic donors, including Oscar winner George Clooney, have also joined the call for a change in the party's presidential candidate. As Biden continues to face public and private pressure, the Democratic Party must navigate this critical juncture carefully to present a united and formidable front against the Republican challenger in the 2024 election.