Sen. Joe Manchin, Independent of West Virginia, Calls on Biden to Exit 2024 Race

Nearly three dozen Democrats in Congress have said it’s time for Biden to leave the race.

WASHINGTON — Sen. Joe Manchin, who recently declared himself an Independent, has called on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race.

“I came to the decision with a heavy heart that I think it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation,” the West Virginia senator expressed during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

The sentiment isn’t isolated. Nearly three dozen congressional Democrats share the view that President Biden should step down from his reelection campaign. Significantly, four Democratic senators — Peter Welch of Vermont, Jon Tester of Montana, Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, and Sherrod Brown of Ohio — have all voiced their concerns about Biden’s reelection bid against Republican frontrunner Donald Trump.

One key issue is Biden’s debate performance, which has ignited questions about the 81-year-old’s capability to mount a robust campaign to defeat Trump.

“I’m concerned about the president’s health and well-being. I really am,” Manchin said during an interview on ABC’s “This Week.”

He added, “I truly believe the Democratic Party needs an open process” for selecting a nominee to replace Biden.

Notably, Manchin, who left the Democratic Party to become an Independent earlier this year, has announced he will not pursue reelection to the Senate.