A Congressional Representative serving parts of Orange and San Diego counties has joined the growing chorus of House Democrats calling for President Joe Biden to step aside ahead of the November election.
Democrat Rep. Mike Levin issued a statement to KTLA on Friday pleading for the party to move forward with a new leader.
“First, let me say that President Biden has been an outstanding leader, not only of our nation, but of the entire free world,” Levin said. “Making this statement is not easy. I have deep respect for President Biden’s five plus decades of public service and incredible appreciation for the work we’ve done together these last three and a half years. But I believe the time has come for President Biden to pass the torch.”
Levin, who represents coastal communities such as San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Oceanside, Carlsbad and Camp Pendleton, said his feelings formed following the President’s disastrous debate performance last month and after speaking with constituents.
“In the two weeks since the debate, I’ve had a chance to connect with so many of you, our constituents and supporters,” he said. “The response from literally several hundred of you has been overwhelming, and I’m very grateful for your candor.”
Levin joins a growing list of elected Democrats calling for a replacement on the party’s ticket in November’s election against former President Donald Trump. The party has reportedly been in a full-blown crisis mode since the June debate, with critics of the President claiming he simply is no longer an electable candidate due to his rapid aging and common gaffes in front of cameras.
In a statement, the Republican Party of Orange County said Levin “knows Biden’s days are numbered.”
“He knew first-hand Washington DC’s worst kept secret – Biden’s failing cognitive state,” the statement reads. “And he said nothing.”
Democrats like Levin claim that a change in candidate could be the difference in the future of America’s democracy.
“We must prevail against the incalculable threat Donald Trump poses to the American institutions of freedom and democracy,” Levin said. “Donald Trump actively seeks a bleak authoritarianism and the overthrow of the values which have guided us towards justice and prosperity for nearly two and a half centuries.”
Biden reiterated once again during a high-profile press conference on Thursday that he’d remain on the democratic ticket through election day.
The lengthy press conference wasn’t without any flubs, however. Near the beginning, Biden mistakenly referred to Kamala Harris as “Vice President Trump” when asked if he’d have confidence in the former Senator from California’s chances as a hypothetical presidential nominee.
The controversy and in-fighting around Biden’s age and chances at reelection will surely continue for weeks to come. Biden, or any of his potential successors, can be locked into the Democratic ticket during the party’s convention in Chicago from Aug. 19-22.
KTLA’s Kareen Wynter contributed to this report.