Rep. Brittany Pettersen Calls on President Joe Biden to Step Aside
Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.), a first-term congresswoman, has become the 18th Democratic member of Congress to urge President Joe Biden to abandon his reelection bid. In a statement released Friday morning, Pettersen implored Biden to pass the torch to another Democratic leader for the 2024 presidential race.
Pettersen’s Statement
“Joe Biden saved our country once, and I’m joining the growing number of people in my district and across the country to ask him to do it again,” Pettersen said. “Please pass the torch to one of our many capable Democratic leaders so we have the best chance to defeat Donald Trump.”
Personal Connection and Concerns
Pettersen, who secured her seat in 2022 by a significant margin of about 15 points, described her decision as “so painful.” She credited Biden as “a big reason I went down the path of public service myself” but expressed her concerns for her son and constituents, stating, “my son and my constituents can’t suffer the consequences of inaction at this critical moment.”
Context and Implications
Pettersen’s plea adds to the growing chorus of Democratic lawmakers calling for a change in the party’s leadership ahead of the 2024 election. With 18 members now publicly urging Biden to step aside, the pressure on the president to reconsider his candidacy is mounting. This growing discontent reflects broader concerns within the party about Biden’s ability to effectively campaign and govern, particularly in the face of a potential rematch with former President Donald Trump.
Broader Reactions and Strategy
The call from Pettersen and other Democrats underscores a strategic concern: ensuring the party’s best chance to defeat Trump in the upcoming election. As Biden faces scrutiny over his age and performance, some Democrats believe a new candidate might better energize the base and appeal to a broader swath of voters.
As the situation unfolds, Biden’s response to these calls will be crucial in shaping the Democratic Party’s approach to the 2024 presidential race and its efforts to maintain unity and momentum against a formidable Republican opponent.
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