Welch becomes first Senate Democrat to publicly urge Biden to withdraw from race

Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) on Wednesday became the first Senate Democrat to publicly call on President Biden to withdraw from the presidential race.

Welch wrote in a Washington Post op-ed that while he has “great respect” for the president, who he calls one of the best of his lifetime, it is time for Biden to step aside for the good of the country. 

“I, like folks across the country, am worried about November’s election. 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 said. “I understand why President Biden wants to run. He saved us from Donald Trump once and wants to do it again.” 

“But he needs to reassess whether he is the best candidate to do so. In my view, he is not,” he continued. “For the good of the country, I’m calling on President Biden to withdraw from the race.”

DEVELOPING.