Rep. Lloyd Doggett becomes 1st Democrat to publicly call for Biden to step down as party's nominee

  • Canadian Press

President Joe Biden speaks during a visit to the D.C. Emergency Operations Center, Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A House Democratic lawmaker has become the first in the party to publicly call for President Joe Biden to step down as the Democratic nominee for president, citing Biden's debate performance failing to "effectively defend his many accomplishments."

Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texs says in a statement Tuesday that Biden should "make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw."

Doggett adds his "decision to make these strong reservations public is not done lightly nor does it in any way diminish" his respect for all Biden has achieved as president.