House Democrat Adam Smith Urges Biden to Consider Ending Presidential Bid

House Democrat Adam Smith Urges Biden to Consider Ending Presidential Bid

In a significant development within Democratic circles, Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, has added his voice to growing calls for President Joe Biden to reconsider his presidential campaign following a widely criticized debate performance last month.

Smith’s call came shortly after Biden reaffirmed his commitment to continue his bid in a letter to congressional Democrats and during an impromptu interview with MSNBC’s Morning Joe.

“President Biden’s performance in the debate was concerning, and public sentiment reflected in recent polls suggests doubts about his candidacy for another four-year term,” Smith, a congressman from Washington state, stated in a released statement. He emphasized that Biden has not adequately addressed these concerns since the debate.

Smith suggested that Biden should step aside “as soon as possible,” while also indicating his willingness to fully support Biden if he chooses to continue as the Democratic nominee.

During an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, who co-moderated the June 27 debate, Smith expressed personal support for Vice President Kamala Harris as a potentially stronger candidate than Biden, noting that Biden may not be the optimal messenger for the Democratic Party.

Smith’s comments underscore a broader sentiment among Democrats who are uneasy about moving past Biden’s debate performance as a singular misstep. “Many Democrats are urging us to move on, but it’s clear that the country remains focused on this issue,” Smith remarked, criticizing the strategy of downplaying concerns.

Smith’s stance adds weight to recent public demands from five Democratic lawmakers for Biden to withdraw, with several others privately expressing similar sentiments during a recent virtual meeting with House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.

The involvement of Smith, a prominent figure on defense matters, may carry significant implications for Biden, particularly as he prepares to host NATO leaders in Washington this week. Biden’s handling of international affairs, including NATO’s expansion and military aid to Ukraine, has been a cornerstone of his defense against doubts about his candidacy.

Biden, in a candid interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, attributed his current challenges to internal pressures within the Democratic Party, a sentiment that may now encompass figures like Smith.