The New York Times Editorial Board Urges President Biden to Withdraw from 2024 Presidential Race

The New York Times editorial board has called President Biden to step aside as the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election.

This plea comes on the heels of what many have described as a lacklustre performance by Biden during a debate against former President Donald Trump on Thursday.

Calls for Joe Biden to step aside have mounted after his performance in Thursday’s debate against Donald Trump.REUTERS

The editorial board commended Biden, 81, for his tenure, labelling him an “admirable president.”

However, they expressed deep concern over his debate performance, describing him as “the shadow of a great public servant.” They warned that continuing his candidacy would be a “reckless gamble.”

Biden is seen arriving in New York City alongside his wife, Jill, on Friday, just hours after the debate. AP

“The party should not risk the stability and security of the country by forcing voters to choose between Mr. Trump’s deficiencies and those of Mr. Biden,” the board wrote. “It’s too big a bet to simply hope Americans will overlook or discount Mr. Biden’s age and infirmity that they see with their own eyes.”

The Times asserted that Biden’s answers during the debate raised significant concerns, concluding, “Mr. Biden answered an urgent question on Thursday night.

The liberal Grey Lady said that Biden appeared on the debate stage as “the shadow of a great public servant” and would be engaging in a “reckless gamble” by Conti.

It was not the answer that he and his supporters were hoping for. If the risk of a second Trump term is as great as he says it is — and we agree with him that the danger is enormous — then his dedication to this country leaves him and his party only one choice.”

The editorial was released two hours after Biden arrived in New York City for a two-day fundraising tour, including a high-dollar event in the Hamptons. This came after a chaotic day for Democrats, as Biden repeatedly stumbled, misspoke, and lost his train of thought during the debate in Atlanta.

One particularly troubling moment saw Biden staring at his podium for nearly 10 seconds before suddenly declaring that he had “finally beat Medicare.”

The editorial board noted that Biden had taken the initiative to challenge Trump to this debate, setting the rules and scheduling it earlier than usual to address concerns about his mental acuity. “The truth Mr. Biden needs to confront now is that he failed his test,” the board stated.

Mr Biden answered an urgent question on Thursday night. It was not the answer he and his supporters were hoping for,” the Times concluded over the incumbent’s performance against Donald Trump. AP

Before the board’s stance, two prominent Times columnists had already suggested Biden step down. Nicholas Kristoff wrote, “The Democratic Party has some prominent figures who I think would be in a good position to defeat Trump in November. This will be a wrenching choice.”

“But, Mr. President, one way you can serve your country in 2024 is by announcing your retirement and calling on delegates to replace you,” Kristoff added, “for that is the safest course for our nation.”

Thomas Friedman, who referred to Biden as “my friend,” expressed sorrow over the debate performance, saying it “made me weep” and concluded, “Joe Biden, a good man and a good president, has no business running for re-election.”