Congressman Doggett Calls on President Biden to Step Down

Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter, to keep readers updated on the most important Texas news.

Editor’s note: This interview has been minimally edited for length and clarity.

WASHINGTON — Austin Rep. Lloyd Doggett caused uproar on Capitol Hill when he became the first Democrat in Congress to call on President Joe Biden to drop out of the presidential race over his confrontation with Donald Trump. ·Donald Trump performed poorly in the debate.

As it turns out, Docter opened the floodgates. Over the course of three weeks, three dozen other Democrats — including Fort Worth Rep. Mark Vesey — issued similar calls for Biden to step down, fearing he would not be able to defeat Trump in November. It was a risk, but one that Doggett said ultimately paid off. On Sunday, Biden took the historic step of announcing that he would not run and would instead support Vice President Kamala Harris.

Immediately, Doggett once again established himself as an outsider within the party. With Democrats quickly rallying behind Harris, Doggett called for an open meeting at the upcoming Democratic National Convention to host other candidates.

### **Doggett’s Bold Call for Biden to Step Down**

Doggett’s decision to be the first Democrat in Congress to call on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race sparked controversy and set off a chain of similar calls from other Democrats. This move highlighted Doggett as a courageous leader willing to take risks for the benefit of the party.

### **Reactions and Support**

Despite the initial backlash, Doggett’s call for Biden to step down ultimately garnered widespread support from other members of Congress. The private reactions were mostly positive, with many expressing agreement with Doggett’s concerns about Biden’s ability to defeat Trump.

### **Looking Ahead to the Future**

Doggett’s vision for a more open and democratic process in selecting a new nominee highlights his commitment to transparency and fairness within the Democratic Party. While he fully supports Vice President Kamala Harris as the frontrunner, Doggett advocates for a process that allows multiple candidates to voice their platforms and positions.

Doggett’s bold stance and unwavering dedication to the party’s success demonstrate his leadership and strategic thinking in navigating the political landscape. As the political climate evolves, Doggett’s actions serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to progress and change within the Democratic Party.