Slotkin Urges Biden to Withdraw from 2024 Race

Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, August 14th 2025 at 21:46 GMT by WLNS Lansing
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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D. MI) called the presidential pardon a "quirk of history that does not make sense in America for either party any longer," saying that the power should be revoked during a recent town hall. While speaking at a town hall in Benton Harbor on Monday, Aug. 4, [ ]

Extensive Summary of the Article: Sen. Slotkin Calls for End to Presidential Campaign

In a bold and candid move that underscores the growing fractures within the Democratic Party, Michigan Representative Elissa Slotkin, a prominent Democrat and candidate for the U.S. Senate, has publicly urged President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. The article, published on Yahoo News, details Slotkin's reasoning, framing her call as a pragmatic response to mounting concerns about Biden's viability as a candidate following his widely criticized debate performance against former President Donald Trump. Slotkin, known for her centrist leanings and national security expertise from her background as a former CIA analyst and Pentagon official, emphasized that her decision to speak out stems from a deep sense of duty to her constituents and the nation, rather than personal ambition or party infighting.

The piece begins by highlighting the timing of Slotkin's statement, which comes amid a cascade of similar pleas from other Democratic lawmakers, donors, and influencers. Slotkin, who represents a swing district in Michigan—a crucial battleground state—argued that Biden's continued candidacy risks not only electoral defeat but also the broader Democratic agenda on issues like reproductive rights, economic recovery, and foreign policy. She pointed to polling data showing eroding support among key demographics, including young voters, independents, and suburban women, who were pivotal in Biden's 2020 victory. "We cannot afford to ignore the realities on the ground," Slotkin is quoted as saying in the article, stressing that the stakes are too high for the party to proceed with a candidate perceived as weakened by age and recent public missteps.

Delving into her background, the article portrays Slotkin as a reluctant critic, someone who has historically supported Biden's policies and even defended him against Republican attacks. Elected to Congress in 2018 during the blue wave that flipped several Republican-held seats, Slotkin has built a reputation as a bridge-builder, often working across the aisle on matters of veterans' affairs, intelligence, and infrastructure. Her call for Biden to step aside is presented not as disloyalty but as a strategic pivot, suggesting that a younger, more vigorous nominee—such as Vice President Kamala Harris or another rising star—could reinvigorate the base and attract undecided voters. The article notes that Slotkin's own Senate bid against Republican Mike Rogers could be jeopardized by a lackluster top-of-the-ticket performance, adding a layer of personal political calculus to her stance.

The broader context provided in the article paints a picture of a Democratic Party in turmoil. It recounts the fallout from the June 27, 2024, presidential debate, where Biden appeared frail, stumbling over words and losing his train of thought, leading to a chorus of concern from within his own ranks. High-profile figures like actor George Clooney, who penned a New York Times op-ed, and several House Democrats have echoed Slotkin's sentiments, with some even threatening to withhold support if Biden remains the nominee. The piece explores the internal debates, including fears of a chaotic convention in Chicago if Biden bows out, versus the potential for a unified front against Trump, who continues to lead in national polls despite his legal troubles and controversial rhetoric.

Slotkin's specific proposals for a path forward are outlined in detail. She advocates for an open process within the party to select a new nominee, one that allows for input from delegates and avoids the perception of a backroom deal. Drawing on her intelligence background, she analogizes the situation to assessing threats in real-time: "In my old job, we didn't stick with a failing strategy just because it was the plan. We adapted." The article contrasts this with Biden's defiant response, where he has insisted on staying in the race, citing his first-term accomplishments like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS Act, and efforts to cap insulin prices as evidence of his effectiveness. However, Slotkin counters that past successes do not guarantee future wins, especially in an election cycle dominated by inflation concerns, border security, and cultural divides.

The implications for Michigan and the national map are thoroughly examined. As a Rust Belt state that flipped from Trump in 2016 to Biden in 2020 by a razor-thin margin, Michigan's electoral votes are seen as make-or-break. Slotkin warns that Biden's perceived vulnerabilities could suppress turnout among union workers, African American voters in Detroit, and college-educated suburbanites in areas like Lansing and Grand Rapids. The article references recent surveys from outlets like The New York Times/Siena College, which show Trump edging ahead in swing states, including Michigan, post-debate. This data bolsters Slotkin's argument, positioning her as a data-driven pragmatist rather than an alarmist.

Reactions to Slotkin's call are mixed, as detailed in the piece. Supporters within the Democratic caucus praise her courage, viewing it as a necessary jolt to a complacent leadership. Critics, including some Biden loyalists, accuse her of undermining party unity at a critical juncture, potentially handing ammunition to Republicans who have long questioned Biden's fitness. The article quotes anonymous Democratic strategists who suggest that while Slotkin's voice carries weight due to her swing-state credentials, it might not be enough to sway Biden without a groundswell from Senate heavyweights like Chuck Schumer or influential governors.

Looking ahead, the article speculates on potential scenarios if Biden heeds such calls. A Harris-led ticket could energize progressive and minority voters, but it might alienate moderates wary of her progressive past. Other names floated include California Governor Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and even Michigan's own Governor Gretchen Whitmer, though Whitmer has publicly backed Biden. Slotkin herself is careful not to endorse a specific successor, focusing instead on the need for a "fresh start" to counter Trump's MAGA movement, which she describes as a threat to democratic norms.

In wrapping up, the piece underscores the high-stakes drama unfolding in real-time, with the Democratic National Committee facing pressure to address these concerns before the August convention. Slotkin's intervention is framed as a microcosm of the party's existential dilemma: cling to a battle-tested but beleaguered incumbent, or embrace change in the face of uncertainty. The article concludes by noting that while Biden's inner circle remains steadfast, voices like Slotkin's are amplifying the drumbeat for a reevaluation, potentially reshaping the 2024 election landscape in profound ways. This development highlights the fluidity of American politics, where loyalty and strategy often collide, and the outcome could determine control of the White House, Congress, and the direction of the country for years to come.

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Read the Full WLNS Lansing Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/sen-slotkin-calls-end-presidential-222319136.html ]

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Slotkin Urges Biden to Withdraw from 2024 Race

Extensive Summary of the Article: Sen. Slotkin Calls for End to Presidential Campaign