Former Rep. Joe Walsh became the first prominent politician who endorsed President Biden to publicly call for him to step down as the Democratic nominee after he stumbled badly in his first debate against former President Donald Trump.
Mr. Walsh, a former Republican from Illinois who switched to independent in 2020, said Mr. Biden needs to step aside because it is in the nation’s best interest.
“Nothing else matters but keeping Trump out of the White House. The problem is Joe Biden, last night, I think, conclusively showed that he cannot defeat Trump. So if I’m a Democrat right now, I’ve got to find someone who can defeat Trump,” Mr. Walsh told CNN.
Several Democratic lawmakers and strategists have privately called for Mr. Biden to be replaced as their nominee through anonymous statements to media outlets. Mr. Walsh is believed to be the first Biden backer to say the president should step aside.
“Joe Biden had one job to do. He had one job. Show the American people he’s not too old and he’s up to the job. He failed at that,” Mr. Walsh said.
“What’s our biggest rap against Donald Trump, he’s humanly incapable of putting the country’s interest before his own. Joe has to demonstrate, I think, that he’s capable of putting the country first by putting someone in there who can beat Trump,” Mr. Walsh said. “It wasn’t just a bad night. It confirmed everyone’s greatest fear about Joe Biden.”
Mr. Walsh said that if Mr. Biden is the nominee, he will work to reelect the president, but suggested another Democrat such as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro might be a better choice.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
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