A group of business leaders sent a letter to President Biden on Friday urging him to end his re-election campaign following his poor debate performance last week.
By Friday morning, the letter had been signed by 186 people who said they were fearful about the future of the country.
“We believe that nothing less than American democracy is at stake this November and we risk a devastating loss,” the letter says.
The group, which consists of high-level leaders from organizations across the country, joins a growing list of people pushing for the incumbent to step aside and give someone else an opportunity this fall.
After Biden’s poor debate performance against former President Trump last Thursday – where he lacked energy, had a hoarse voice and seemed to lose his train of thought – there was widespread panic among Democrats not just about the president’s ability to defeat Trump in the polls this year. fall, but also his ability to play the role of president for another four years.
Biden and his team insisted he would not give up.
In the letter, the group said it admires the president’s decades of service and noted that his legacy will be known as one that rescued democracy from a major threat.
“To ensure this legacy is cemented, we ask that you pass the torch of leadership to the next generation of Democratic leaders by ending your bid for re-election,” the letter said.
The group is made up of members of the Leadership Now Project and “like-minded business and civic leaders” who are committed to protecting democracy. Individuals have been outspoken about the threat from Trump and the risks he poses if reelected, including “global and domestic instability, abandonment of our allies, crony capitalism, political retribution, and further erosion of the rights of women and other groups.” , says the letter. he said.
“At this important moment for our nation, it is time to cement your legacy by passing the torch – just as George Washington did,” the group wrote. “We respectfully ask that you step down as a candidate for the sake of democracy and the future of our nation.”
Julia Shapero contributed reporting.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
