Sen. Joe Manchin Calls for Biden to Step Aside in 2024 Race

Senator Joe Manchin has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers urging President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. In an interview on "Face the Nation," Manchin expressed hope that Biden could focus on effectively leading the country during the remaining months of his term if he were to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders. He emphasized that Biden's legacy could be significant if he dedicates his energy to healing the nation rather than campaigning. Manchin's comments come amid growing concerns about Biden's health, particularly following his recent COVID-19 diagnosis. The senator remarked that Biden could leave office with an unmatched legacy as a dedicated patriot if he prioritizes his presidential duties over electoral ambitions. Despite his concerns, Manchin remains aligned with the Democratic caucus, although he has not communicated with Biden in recent weeks. In response to Manchin's remarks, a spokesperson for Biden's campaign acknowledged that while many in the caucus support the president, there are differing opinions regarding his candidacy. The spokesperson reiterated a shared commitment to defeating Donald Trump and ensuring freedom and democracy in America. Additionally, calls for Biden to step aside have intensified, with nine House Democrats and two senators, including Sherrod Brown, expressing similar sentiments. Rep. Dean Phillips, who initially challenged Biden for the nomination, also stated that it is time for the president to allow new leadership to emerge.