Atlanta Journal-Constitution Editorial Board Urges Biden to Withdraw from 2024 Race: ‘Retirement Is Now Necessary’

Another major newspaper has called for President Biden to step down following his poor performance in the recent debate against former President Donald Trump, declaring that “retirement is now necessary.”

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) published a front-page editorial on Saturday urging Biden, 81, to pass the torch to a more competent candidate. This follows a similar call from The New York Times.

US President Joe Biden looks down as he participates in the first presidential debate of the 2024 elections with former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. AFP via Getty Images

“The unfortunate truth is that Biden should withdraw from the race for the good of the nation he has served so admirably for half a century,” the AJC Editorial Board wrote.

Georgia’s most prominent newspaper described Biden’s performance in Thursday’s debate as “excruciating,” noting that the President failed to convey a clear vision for a second term or highlight his accomplishments from his nearly four years in office. The editorial also pointed out Biden’s numerous gaffes during the debate, including his incorrect statements about his late son Beau and Medicare.

Georgia’s most prominent newspaper painted Biden’s performance in Thursday’s debate against convicted felon Donald Trump as “excruciating.” AFP via Getty Images

The AJC’s editorial board emphasized that Biden has shown signs of early decline, comparing his situation to George Washington, who chose to retire after two terms at age 64. “The shade of retirement is now necessary for President Biden,” the board concluded.

Biden was seen clutching his wife Jill’s arm when the couple arrived in the Hamptons on Saturday for several star-studded fundraisers.AFP via Getty Images

While acknowledging the complexity of having Biden step down and name a successor, the AJC stressed that the Democratic Party has many viable candidates. The situation’s urgency was highlighted, with the board expressing no confidence in Biden’s ability to defeat Trump in the upcoming election.

“Biden deserves a better exit from public life than the one he endured when he shuffled off the stage Thursday night,” the AJC wrote. “If he displays the courage and dignity that have defined his political career, he might follow in the footsteps of the nation’s first president and welcome his retirement, secure in the knowledge that he again served his country with honour.”

Besides, the action is urgent — The AJC has zero confidence that the octogenarian can defeat Trump in November. AP

The AJC’s loss of faith in Biden follows a similar editorial from The New York Times, which also called for Biden to bow out—the Times praised Biden as an “admirable president”. Still, it noted that he appeared on the debate stage as “the shadow of a great public servant” and would be taking a “reckless gamble” by continuing his candidacy.

The New York Post was the first major newspaper to voice concerns about Biden’s continued candidacy after his debate performance, stating, “Biden can’t survive this. It is political malpractice to let him continue to run for re-election. It is national malpractice to let him continue.”