Jul 10, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Welch becomes first Democratic Senator to call for Biden to step aside

Erin Doherty

Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT) departs from a Senate Democratic policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol building on March 20, 2024 in Washington, DC — Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) departs from a Senate Democratic policy luncheon at the Capitol on March 20. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) on Wednesday called on President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, making him the first Senate Democrat to do so.

Why it matters: Eight House Democrats have called for Biden to step aside as the Democratic presidential nominee following his shaky debate showing, but senators have been more hesitant to voice their concerns publicly.

What he's saying: "We cannot unsee President Biden's disastrous debate performance," Welch wrote in an op-ed in the Washington Post on Wednesday.

"We cannot ignore or dismiss the valid questions raised since that night," Welch, who said that he has "great respect" for Biden, wrote.
"For the good of the country, I'm calling on President Biden to withdraw from the race."

Zoom out: Biden has insisted that he's staying in the race and he wrote in a letter to congressional Democrats on Monday that it's time to "end" the pressure on him drop out.

Go deeper: Congressional Democrats warn Biden: This isn't over

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Welch becomes first Democratic Senator to call for Biden to step aside

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