On Tuesday night, July 2nd, I had a gut wrenching realization. Biden needs to drop out - for his sake, for the party’s sake and, most importantly, for the Country’s sake.
I was a strong supporter of his in the 2020 primary and have been ever since. I thought he was the best candidate for President in 2020 and his time in office has validated that. I have defended him against his detractors, particularly those focussed on his age. I stood by him immediately after the debate, as terrible as it was, and even sent in another $100 contribution the next day to signal that I was resolute in my support. I did so because I believed the debate was “one bad night.”
I was waiting for an explanation. But not only did none come but it seemed he and those around him were in denial. All that has transpired since the debate has led me to no longer think that it was just a bad night. The shifting and changing explanations only make things worse. At this point I believe there is no explanation for that performance other than the reality that he has a problem and that his decline is accelerating. All of the earlier signs that I disregarded can no longer be ignored. When I look at them through fresh eyes I see it now and it seems that incresingly the public sees it.
I used to think Presiden Biden was the best person to defeat Trump in 2024 as he did in 2020. Sadly, I now fear that if Biden is our nominee Trump will win. We cannot have that happen.
At this point he can do one of three things. Withdraw from the race and release his delegates and not endorse anyone, thus leaving the replacement fully open at the convention. Withdraw and release and endorse Harris, which probably will give her the nomination. Resign, in which case Harris becomes President and almost certainly the nominee. He won’t do the first unless he is convinced the Harris cannot win because that would be read as a repudiation of her. Between the second two choices I think the country is better off with the third option. We really can’t afford a fight between candidates at this point and an incumbent President Harris has a much greater chance of winning.
It is so sad. I am heartsick. I have immense respect and admiration for President Biden as a person and as one of the best Presidents we have ever had. But there is too much at stake. We cannot afford to have Trump elected. We cannot afford to loose the House and make our Senate prospects worse.
The President must act soon.