Democrat-turned-independent Senator Joe Manchin asks Biden to ‘pass the torch’

One more senator called on US President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race on Sunday (Jul 21). Independent Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia advised the 81-year-old leader to 'pass the torch to a new generation', in a major U-turn. He had previously backed Biden's candidacy but seemingly changed his mind after the disaster that unfolded during the debate with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

“I came to the decision with a heavy heart that I think it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation,” Manchin said in an interview.

Before Manchin, about half a dozen senators had already urged the president to step aside, including Sens. Jon Tester of Montana and Sherrod Brown of Ohio.

But as per reports, Joe Biden is adamant about facing Trump in the November elections, with his campaign still believing that he has the capacity to defeat the ex-president.

Watch:Gravitas: Will Biden exit the Presidential race? Is it a question of when and not if?

“Unlike Republicans, we’re a party that accepts — and even celebrates — differing opinions, but in the end, we will absolutely come together to beat Donald Trump this November,” said Biden campaign spokesperson Mia Ehrenberg.

So far, 37 Democratic Congressmen have publicly asked Biden to step down.

Manchin was elected as a Democrat but became an independent on May 31, stating differences with the party. “I left the Democrat Party because it’s not the Democratic Party that I grew up in, that I always knew,” he said.

However, Manchin made it clear he didn't want Biden to resign from the presidency before the conclusion of his term in January.

In the next five months, Biden could “help heal this nation” and “bring the world together,” he said.

“That takes a full-time 24/7 president not being worried about where you got to go campaign, got to give a speech, got to go out, raise money,” Manchin said. “And I think his legacy will be one of the greatest legacies of any of our leaders.”

(With inputs from agencies)