Representative Raúl M. Grijalva, a progressive Arizona Democrat, made headlines recently by joining Representative Lloyd Doggett in calling for President Biden to drop out of the race. Grijalva expressed concerns about the state of Biden’s campaign, emphasizing the need for responsibility in keeping the seat. At 76 years old, Grijalva, like Doggett, is close in age to Biden, who is 81. The recent debate performance by Biden raised questions about his age and mental acuity, prompting Grijalva to question his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump.
Grijalva emphasized the importance of Democrats putting up a strong fight in the upcoming election, especially considering the potential dangers of a second Trump presidency. Despite describing Biden as a “good man” and expressing support for him, Grijalva stressed that the decision to stay in the race should be based on the stakes involved. He warned about the risks of allowing an “anti-democratic, authoritarian despot” like Trump to return to power.
While the Biden campaign chose not to comment on Grijalva’s remarks, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the president had no intentions of withdrawing. Grijalva’s concerns were further amplified by a recent poll showing Trump leading Biden by six points, indicating a growing challenge for the current president.
In the midst of these developments, many House Democrats have been grappling with how to respond to Biden’s struggles. While some, like Representative Hakeem Jeffries, have publicly supported Biden, others have remained silent on the matter. Grijalva did not disclose his preferred alternative to Biden but mentioned Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential candidate.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by Grijalva’s assertion that the race must be won to protect the progress made under Biden’s administration. He emphasized the need to secure victories in the House and Senate to prevent the potential reversal of Democratic achievements. The looming threat of a second Trump presidency has prompted Grijalva and others to advocate for a strategic approach to ensure the party’s success in the upcoming election.