Vermont Senator becomes the first Democratic Senator to call for Biden’s withdrawal following debate performance concerns

In a bold move that marks a significant shift within Democratic ranks, Vermont Senator Peter Welch has publicly called on President Joe Biden to step aside as the party’s presidential nominee. Writing in a Washington Post op-ed, Welch expressed deep concerns over Biden’s recent debate performance and subsequent doubts raised about his candidacy.

“The stakes could not be higher. We cannot unsee President Biden’s disastrous debate performance. We cannot ignore or dismiss the valid questions raised since that night,” Welch asserted, emphasizing his profound respect for the President.

Acknowledging Biden’s desire to confront Donald Trump again, Welch stressed the necessity for Biden to reassess his candidacy, stating firmly, “For the good of the country, I’m calling on President Biden to withdraw from the race.”

In advocating for a change in leadership, Welch endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as “a capable, proven leader” and pointed to other promising Democratic governors and senators in swing states who could energize the party’s base and improve electoral prospects.

Welch’s stance represents a growing sentiment within the Democratic Party, with his call marking the tenth among congressional Democrats urging Biden to step aside. Notably, his counterparts in the House have predominantly led this call, while Colorado Senator Michael Bennet recently expressed doubts about Biden’s ability to secure reelection without explicitly calling for his withdrawal.

“Donald Trump is on track, I think, to win this election, and maybe win it by a landslide, and take with him the Senate and the House,” Bennet commented, echoing concerns raised by other Democratic senators during a recent Senate Democratic lunch.

Despite Vermont’s strong support for Biden in the past, Welch highlighted the growing apprehension among constituents about Biden’s electoral viability. “Vermont loves Joe Biden,” he wrote, noting Biden and Harris received the highest vote percentage in the state. However, he underscored that many Vermonters are now worried about Biden’s prospects and fear another Trump presidency.

Analysis:

Political Perspective: Welch’s call for Biden to withdraw underscores internal Democratic concerns over Biden’s electability and ability to compete effectively against Donald Trump. This move reflects divisions within the party about leadership strategy and the urgency to present a formidable challenge in the upcoming election.

Social Perspective: The debate over Biden’s candidacy taps into broader societal anxieties about leadership, competence, and the future direction of the country. It highlights ongoing debates within Democratic circles regarding generational shifts and the appeal of different leadership styles amid increasing polarization.

Economic Perspective: While not directly economic, the political instability and uncertainty introduced by Welch’s call could impact financial markets and investor confidence. The prospect of a highly contested election with potential shifts in policy direction under different leadership adds to economic unpredictability.