As the 2024 presidential race begins to take shape, California Rep. Mark Takano has publicly urged President Joe Biden to step aside and allow Vice President Kamala Harris to take the helm of the Democratic ticket. Takano is among a growing number of Democratic lawmakers who have expressed concerns about Biden’s ability to win against former President Donald Trump and have called for a change in leadership.
Takano stated that President Biden’s greatest accomplishment was saving democracy in 2020, but believes that in 2024, he should pass the torch to Vice President Harris. According to Takano, the demands of a modern campaign are best suited for Harris, who can seamlessly transition into the role of the party’s standard bearer. With a campaign war chest of at least $91 million, Harris is seen as a strong contender by some within the party.
Since Biden’s stumbling debate performance against Trump on June 27, concerns about his age and ability to win in November have caused deep divisions within the Democratic Party. While some Democratic lawmakers, donors, and strategists have called for Biden to drop out, others have remained supportive of his decision to stay in the race. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have shown support for Biden, while also maintaining a sense of deference towards his decision.
President Biden is currently isolating with Covid in Rehoboth Beach, Del., following his sixth round of antiviral Covid treatment. Despite mounting pressure to drop out of the race, Biden’s campaign has continued to publicly reject calls for him to step aside. Campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler has stated that Biden plans to return to the campaign trail once he is Covid-free and is expected to resume campaigning “in earnest” next week.
In the meantime, Vice President Harris has been shouldering the campaign’s message and is set to deliver remarks at a campaign fundraiser in Massachusetts. During a call with Democratic donors, Harris reaffirmed her support for Biden and emphasized the importance of putting the American people first in the upcoming election. With Harris taking on a more active role in the campaign, the question remains whether President Biden will ultimately heed the growing calls to step aside.