Rep. Lloyd Doggett: Biden Should Step Aside For Younger Candidate

Austin's U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett says President Biden should step down, citing concerns over his age and stamina to take on Trump.

Austin's Democratic U.S. Rep. [Lloyd Doggett](https://www.lloyddoggett.house.gov/about-lloyd/ biography) called on President Joe Biden to step aside in the 2024 race, citing his age and the "risk" of going against Trump.

"The risk is too great...[Biden] might not have the vigor and stamina to go head-to-head with Trump...The incumbent's ability to again defeat Trump is questionable." - Rep. Lloyd Doggett

Doggett is the first in Congress to publicly make this call, stating the decision was clear after watching the Biden-Trump debate. While praising Biden's achievements, Doggett warned of an "authoritarian takeover" if Biden remains the candidate, a concern echoed by many Democrats.

This internal strife is not new. In 1968, LBJ faced a similar "painful decision" and withdrew his campaign due to the Democratic Party's rift over the Vietnam War.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has brushed off these concerns, calling the Democratic Party a "big tent" with room for diverse views. The clock is ticking to the Democratic National Convention in August, where a final decision will be made.

URLs

• https://www.lloyddoggett.house.gov/about-lloyd/biography
• https://www.whitehouse.gov/people/karine-jean-pierre/
• https://www.democrathy2024.org/