Senior House Democrat urges Biden to withdraw from race

WASHINGTON: Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) on Monday called on President Biden to end his reelection bid, becoming the most senior Democratic lawmaker to publicly do so.

“Well, look, I think he should step aside. I think it’s become clear that he’s not the best person to carry the Democratic message,” Smith, the highest-ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, told CNN’s Jake Tapper on “The Lead.” “And here’s the thing. We have an incredibly strong message and record to run on.”

Smith was one of four senior House Democrats to say during a private phone call on Sunday that Biden should withdraw from the race, according to sources familiar with the call.

Smith said Monday he is in favor of having Vice President Harris at the top of the ticket.

“Personally, I think Kamala Harris would be a much better, stronger candidate and because she is, constitutionally, is second. That’s the way it’s supposed to work,” he said, noting that he does not think that Biden should resign before the term is up.

Biden and his campaign have maintained that he will not drop out of the race despite growing calls for him to do so following a disastrous debate performance. Biden, speaking on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Monday, dared other Democrats to challenge him at the national convention this summer, emphasizing that he believes he is the best candidate to beat former President Trump.

(The Hill)