Blumenauer becomes ninth House Democrat calling for Biden to step aside

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) on Wednesday became the ninth House Democrat to publicly call for President Biden to withdraw from the race, adding to a growing chorus of lawmakers who have expressed concerns about the president’s — and the party’s — chances in November. 

"No president has had more accomplishments under more difficult circumstances than President Joe Biden," Blumenauer wrote in a statement.  "He's navigated international crises while enacting landmark legislation combating the climate crisis, recovering from COVID, rebuilding and renewing America, and guiding our economic recovery. These are unprecedented achievements."

However, the Oregon Democrat, who's retiring after his current term, said that "the question before the country is whether the president should continue his candidacy for re-election."

"This is not just about extending his presidency but protecting democracy,” Blumenauer said. “While this is a decision for the president and the first lady, I hope they will come to the conclusion that I and others have: President Biden should not be the Democratic presidential nominee."

Eight other House Democrats have publicly called on Biden to exit the race: Reps. Llyod Doggett (D-Texas), Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.)...