Rep. Quigley is first top Illinois Democrat to call on Biden to drop out of 2024 campaign
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CHICAGO — Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley on Friday became the first high-profile Democrat in the state and the fourth member of Congress to call on President Biden to end his re-election campaign.
Quigley commented on Biden’s recent debate performance in multiple TV appearances Friday and argued, in part, that the president lacks the “vigor” to win the race.
The congressman said Biden should step down and let someone else lead the party ticket. Earlier this week, he warned that Biden’s performance could impact races down the ballot.
Biden meets with Pritzker, other governors as he tells staff he’s ‘in this race to the end’
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) on Tuesday was the first Democrat to call on Biden to step aside.
Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) chimed in Wednesday. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) on Thursday called for Biden to bow out. Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) added her name to the list on Saturday.
Democrats will hold their nominating convention in Chicago next month.
Rep. Quigley Statement to WGN
“President Joe Biden has served our nation with honor for more than fifty years and distinguished himself as one of the greatest presidents of our lifetime. This is a man who pulled our nation and our economy out of COVID and who pulled us back from the brink of autocracy. Our nation owes him a tremendous debt of gratitude.
“The best thing the President can now do to secure his legacy is to step aside.”
“The most important thing in America today is ensuring Donald Trump does not have a second term. Currently, President Biden is more than six points behind in the polls and trending in the wrong direction. That deficit is reflected in the polling of my colleagues in tight districts and swing states. Protecting the White House, House, and Senate from the extreme right is more important than any one man. That’s why I believe President Biden should step aside and our party should select a new nominee.”
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