Jul 8, 2024 - Politics & Policy
House Democrats’ defense chief joins calls for Biden to drop out
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House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-Wash.) on Monday joined the list of congressional Democrats publicly calling for President Biden to withdraw his 2024 candidacy.
Why it matters: Smith's call comes after Biden attempted to shore up support on Capitol Hill with a Monday morning letter telling Democrats to "end" discussion about him dropping out of the race.
- Smith was among multiple committee ranking members who said on a Sunday afternoon call with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) that Biden should withdraw.
What he's saying: "Well, look, I think he should step aside," Smith said of Biden in a CNN interview on Monday.
- "I think it's become clear that he's not the best person to carry the Democratic message," Smith continued, saying that Biden has done a "great job" but is "not capable" of leading Democrats' message "in an effective way."
- Smith added that the debate was not the first time these doubts arose for some Democrats, telling host Jake Tapper that there were "concerns leading up to it … and it hasn't gotten better since the debate."
State of play: Smith joins five other House Democrats, including Natural Services Committee Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), who have publicly called for Biden to drop out.
- Many other lawmakers have privately raised concerns or said Biden should drop out.
- But the president has also received public support from many members, including from Democratic leadership and the Congressional Black Caucus.
