WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Fallout over President Joe Biden’s debate performance continues.
A Texas lawmaker became the first Democrat Tuesday to publicly call on the president to withdraw from the race.
Texas Congressman Lloyd Doggett is the first sitting Democratic lawmaker to call on President Biden to withdraw.
He says his only regret is not speaking out sooner.
Congressman Doggett says the stakes are too high this November to stay silent.
“This is a painful decision but a necessary one if we are to stop our democracy from being trampled on by Trump,” said Doggett.
He says he needed to speak out after seeing the president’s debate performance Thursday and reading the Supreme Court’s ruling granting former president Donald Trump immunity from some criminal prosecution.
Doggett says this is not about age.
“I’m more concerned about what I saw and what the American people have seen in recent months,” said Doggett.
The White House says the president had a cold that night and he’s staying in this race.
“He knows how to do the job,” said Jean-Pierre.
The message was echoed by other top Democrats.
“We’ve worked hard together for four years and delivered a lot for America and for central New York. I’m for Biden,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
To ease some concerns the president’s not up for another four years Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse says, “They need to have a more aggressive campaign tone. He needs to show the people of America that he’s up for those fights.”
President Biden plans to speak with Democratic governors Wednesday, as well as leaders in Congress this week.
