The New York Times editorial board is calling on President Joe Biden to step aside and clear the way for a new Democratic challenger in the upcoming presidential race against former President Donald Trump. The editorial, published on a Friday night, argues that Biden’s previous victory over Trump in 2020 is not enough justification for him to be the Democratic nominee this year.
The call for Biden to step aside came after a poor debate performance in which he struggled to form coherent sentences, showcasing signs of his advancing age. Despite trying to downplay his performance at a rally in North Carolina, Biden’s struggles were evident to many, including the editorial board of The New York Times.
The editorial board noted that Biden is not the same man he was four years ago, highlighting his difficulty in explaining what he would accomplish in a second term and responding to Trump’s provocations. While the board still views Biden as their preferred choice over Trump, they argue that other Democrats may be better prepared to present clear, convincing alternatives to a second Trump term.
Despite some Democrats defending Biden, including former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, the editorial board believes it is time for the party to acknowledge Biden’s age and frailty. They argue that Democrats must find the courage to speak truthfully to the party leader and consider the potential risks of forcing voters to choose between Trump’s shortcomings and Biden’s.
The Biden campaign sought to downplay the editorial, pointing out that previous instances where Biden lost endorsements turned out well for him. However, the editorial board stands firm in their belief that it is in the best interest of the party and the country for Biden to step aside and make way for a new Democratic challenger.