Rep Pat Ryan asks Biden to exit reelection bid 'for the good of' America, becomes 8th Democrat to urge POTUS' withdrawal

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Representative Pat Ryan (D-NY) has called on President Joe Biden to step aside in the 2024 race.

This bold move makes him the eighth House Democrat to urge Biden to withdraw from the November presidential elections.

Ryan, who represents New York’s 18th Congressional District, shared his thoughts in an interview with The New York Times on Wednesday.

Rep Pat Ryan calls on Joe Biden to step aside for stronger leadership

Pat Ryan expressed his belief that Joe Biden is not the strongest candidate to take on former President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential race.

“I’d be doing a grave disservice if I said he was the best candidate to serve this fall,” Ryan told the outlet.

“For the good of our country, for my two young kids, I’m asking Joe Biden to step aside in the upcoming election and deliver on the promise to be a bridge to a new generation of leaders," Ryan stated.

Rep Pat Ryan says 'country would always owe' Joe Biden for serving America

Pat Ryan, 42, noted the importance of Joe Biden’s role in defeating Donald Trump in 2020 and praised the president’s achievements.

“The country would always owe Mr Biden, 81, a debt of gratitude for defeating Mr Trump in 2020 and that the president had ‘delivered historic accomplishments,’ including a bipartisan infrastructure law and new benefits for veterans," he said.

However, Ryan stressed the need for Biden to pass the baton, saying, “Part 2 of that legacy would be passing the baton to a new generation of leaders.”

“I really think this would go down in history at or near what George Washington did in terms of stepping aside for the good of the country. It would be such a stark contrast to the selfishness of Trump," the Democrat representative told the publication.

Democrat's push for withdrawal grows amid Joe Biden's refusal to step down from presidential race

Earlier Wednesday, Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, a longtime ally of Joe Biden, suggested that “time is running short” for the president to make a decision about the race.

Actor George Clooney, a prominent Democratic supporter in Hollywood, echoed this sentiment in a guest essay in The New York Times.

“I love Joe Biden. As a senator. As a vice president and as president. I consider him a friend, and I believe in him. Believe in his character. Believe in his morals. In the last four years, he’s won many of the battles he’s faced,” Clooney wrote according to The Hill. 

“But the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time. None of us can,” he added, referencing the 81-year-old president.

Internet reacts to Rep Pat Ryan's advice to Joe Biden to step down

Pat Ryan's statement has sparked a range of reactions online. “To the wolves he goes...” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).

Another commented, “Same people who were gaslighting everyone saying Biden was 100% fine are now headhunting him.”

Some users expressed concerns about the timing of Ryan’s call for Biden to step down. “AND WHO is there to replace him at this date? You all are sabotaging this election from inside,” one user wrote.

Others praised Ryan for his courage. “Thanks for putting your country first,” one person wrote. Another said, “Thank you Pat. Appreciate your courageous stand.”

“Thanks for having the guts to stand up and say that,” one commented. Another added, “Thank you Pat! As one of your constituents, I admire your willingness to speak the uncomfortable truth.”

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