A group of business leaders, known as the Leadership Now Project, is urging President Biden to step down and allow a new Democratic nominee to take his place. This coalition, made up of 400 politically active executives, believes that a change in leadership is necessary for the party’s success in the upcoming election.
While the statement released by the group remains unsigned, it is widely supported by the majority of its members, including prominent figures such as Jeni Britton Bauer, Thomas W. Florsheim Jr., Eddie Fishman, John Pepper, and Paul Tagliabue. These leaders feel that President Biden’s performance in the recent debate against Donald J. Trump was weak, putting the party at risk of losing the election.
The Leadership Now Project emphasizes the importance of preventing a second Trump term, describing it as an “existential threat to American democracy.” They express concern that President Biden failed to effectively challenge Trump during the debate, increasing the likelihood of a devastating loss in November. Despite their fears, many individuals who share their concerns are hesitant to speak out publicly.
In an interview, Daniella Ballou-Aares, the founder of the group, criticized the notion that decisions about the Democratic nominee are limited to a small group, calling it detrimental to democracy. She believes that the current approach is inconsistent with the sentiments of the public following the debate. The Leadership Now Project, which supports candidates from both parties, has recently hosted individuals such as former Representative Adam Kinzinger and Governor Gretchen Whitmer at their events.
The call for President Biden to resign reflects a growing sentiment among Democratic donors and big money groups that a change in leadership could improve the party’s chances of winning the election. While some donors have reservations about publicly endorsing this view, the Leadership Now Project hopes to inspire others to join them in advocating for a new Democratic nominee.
As the 2024 election approaches, the debate over President Biden’s candidacy highlights the divisions within the Democratic Party and the concerns about its ability to defeat Donald J. Trump. The push for new leadership underscores the importance of selecting a candidate who can effectively challenge Trump and secure a victory in November. The decision to speak out publicly demonstrates the urgency felt by these business leaders to address what they see as a critical issue facing American democracy.