Blumenauer becomes ninth House Democrat calling for Biden to step aside

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) connected Wednesday became the ninth House Democrat to publically telephone for President Biden to retreat from the race, adding to a increasing chorus of lawmakers who person expressed concerns astir the president’s — and the party’s — chances successful November. 

"No president has had much accomplishments nether much hard circumstances than President Joe Biden," Blumenauer wrote successful a statement.  "He's navigated planetary crises portion enacting landmark authorities combating the clime crisis, recovering from COVID, rebuilding and renewing America, and guiding our economical recovery. These are unprecedented achievements."

However, the Oregon Democrat, who's retiring aft his existent term, said that "the question earlier the state is whether the president should proceed his candidacy for re-election."

"This is not conscionable astir extending his presidency but protecting democracy,” Blumenauer said. “While this is simply a determination for the president and the archetypal lady, I anticipation they volition travel to the decision that I and others have: President Biden should not beryllium the Democratic statesmanlike nominee."

Eight different House Democrats person publically called connected Biden to exit the race: Reps. Llyod Doggett (D-Texas), Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) and Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.). 

Blumenauer's connection underscores House Democrats' lingering fears that with Biden inactive successful the race, his candidacy jeopardizes the party's quality to support the White House successful November and flip the House. 

Biden has been adamant successful interviews since his disastrous statement show that he's remaining successful the race, but the dilatory drip-drip of statements from members of the parties, and present celebrities, highlight Democrats' anxieties.

Notably, histrion George Clooney, who held a fundraiser for the president past month, wrote an op-ed successful The New York Times published connected Wednesday calling for Biden to exit the race. 

A forecast from Decision Desk HQ released this week found that Republicans person a 65 percent accidental of keeping the House, with a 58 percent accidental of flipping the White House and 82 percent accidental of winning the Senate majority. 

Updated astatine 7:13 p.m.