![Pres. Biden is on the hot seat as Congress reps like Earl Blumenauer doubt his ability to beat Donald Trump a second time.](assets/components/directresize/cache/dr_JoeBidenxEarlBlumenauer_w625_h352.jpg)
Outgoing House member Rep. Earl Blumenauer wants President Biden to step "aside as the Democratic nominee" and "manage a transistion under his terms."
Blumenauer has long championed the marijuana legalization cause and runs the Congressional Cannabis Caucus with Dave Joyce. The Oregon-based Congressperson has represented his House district since 1996.
"It'a a painful and difficult conclusion, but there is no question in my mind that we will all be better served" if the President agrees to abandon the Presidential race against former President Donald Trump, Blumenauer stated, adding:
“The question before the country is whether the president should continue his candidacy for reelection. This is not just about extending his presidency but protecting democracy. While this is a decision for the president and the first lady, I hope they will come to the conclusion that I and others have: President Biden should not be the Democratic presidential nominee."
A debate has been raging among party members since Biden's weak performance with Trump on June 30 raised more questions about his age (81). Biden has shown no inclination to pull out.
Blumenauer acknowledged:
"I'm proud of the results that Democrats and I have delivered with President Biden the last four years here in Oregon and nationwide. Voters in our state and America fired Donald Trump with cause in 2020 and they're not going to rehire him in 2024."
While the latest polls show a virtual tie, two-thirds of Americans think Biden should leave the race. During yesterday's press conference, Biden commented:
"I think I’m the most qualified person to run for president. I beat [Trump] once, and I will beat him again... I’m just going to keep moving because I got more work to do."
Actor George Clooney and other leading Dems disagree with Biden's assessment. In a New York Times op-ed posted on Monday, Clooney, a top party fundraiser, maintained:
"This is about age. Nothing more. But also nothing that can be reversed. We are not going to win in November with this president."
Many believe VP Kamala Harris would be the likely Democratic candidate if Biden bowed out.
The Dems hold their national convention from Aug. 19-22 in Chicago. Decisions will have to made before then or there will be chaos at the convention.
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