Staff Reports
It seems the ship of state might be without a captain soon if the winds of discontent continue to blow through the Democrats’ camp. Two weeks after President Biden’s comedic disaster of a debate performance, the chorus for his exit is growing louder, reaching a pitch that even the mainstream media can’t ignore. Naturally, the hand-wringing has extended beyond your average voter to the celebrity pundits entrenched in the Democrat fundraising machine, with the likes of George Hollywood Clooney joining the call to oust the incumbent.
In Congress, it’s not slim pickings either. Nine House Democrats have publicly weighed in on the matter, from Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas to Earl Blumenauer of Oregon. They’re practically filing in line, papers in hand, ready to send Biden into retirement. Adding some more spice, the upper chamber saw its first Democrat defector on Wednesday night. Senator Peter Welch of Vermont decided he’s had enough of Biden’s floundering act.
Town Hall: We Now Have a Senate Democrat Calling on Biden to Step Aside https://t.co/LYcO9RIkEs
— Ian Hansen 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHansenFeed) July 11, 2024
In hitting the high notes in The Washington Post, Peter Welch lauded Biden as a savior from “a tyrant” and dubiously called him “one of the best presidents of our time.” He then pulled an about-face that could give audience members whiplash, claiming the stakes of the coming election were just too high to carry forward with the blundering Biden.
Welch, apparently unable to unsee Biden's rope-a-dope performance on debate night, pointed out the growing chorus of valid criticisms that simply can’t be swept under the rug. He understands why Biden wants to make another run for it—Biden thinks he can be the hero who thwarts Donald Trump’s triumphant return—but Welch posited that maybe Joe needs a reality check to see if he’s really got what it takes this time. Spoiler alert: Welch doesn’t think he does. For the good of the whole country, Welch put out a clarion call for Biden to bow out gracefully.
Shifting the conversation to Biden’s age and hypothetical fitness, Welch claimed that no one but Biden himself could reverse the narrative that’s been set in motion. He relayed his melancholy over the situation, asserting that Vermont holds Biden in high esteem. Yet, the very voices that once cheered for him are now nail-biting at the thought of his candidacy and the lurking specter of another Trump administration.
Welch, not one to stop with heartfelt sentiments, trotted out some data indicating that the Democrat strongholds are cracking. The states reliably batting blue are now flirting with Republican suitors, much to Welch’s dismay. He then threw a bone to Vice President Harris, suggesting she is “capable,” and to other potential saviors in swing states.
He pleaded for Biden to exhibit the selflessness and courage he was once known for and draped his final appeal in martyr-like rhetoric, urging Biden to make one last good decision for the American people: to step away from the race.
With the Democrats eating their own in the middle of campaign season, it looks like the only audience enjoying this show are the Republicans, who are likely already gearing up the popcorn for what comes next.
