US President Joe Biden is facing growing pressure to drop out of the presidential race after a poor performance in Thursday’s debate. Concerns about his health and ability to serve have been raised by Democratic donors, leading some to urge him to reconsider running for a second term.
A significant voice joining this call is Jay Parini, a longtime friend and supporter of Biden.In an open letter published on CNN’s Opinion page, Parini highlighted Biden’s age and debate performance as key reasons for his stance.
Parini, a poet and novelist who has known Biden since childhood, wrote, “Few leaders in American history have had your big heart or sense of moderation… But you’re an old man now, like me.”
Reflecting on aging, Parini continued, “I know what it’s like to summon the energy to move forcefully through the day. Our bodies don’t cooperate as they once did. Sometimes it hurts even to get up in the morning.”
Parini expressed concern about Biden’s appearance at the debate, “Sadly, that was evident to me from the moment you walked — dazed and confused — onto the debate stage Thursday in Atlanta against former President Donald Trump. You seemed ancient, pale and fragile,” he wrote. “I found myself weeping. Weeping for you. Weeping for our nation.”
Parini emphasized the potential dangers of another four years under Trump’s presidency, including threats to NATO and abortion rights. He urged Biden to consider stepping down for the nation’s greater good: “You’ve done your work, and you’ve done it well. The nation is stronger because of you. But we need a brokered, open convention… The best available Democrat should stand against Trump in November. Any of them should be able to wipe the floor with him.”
Parini concluded with a plea for Biden to step aside gracefully, “Be the great man you are, Joe, the one we’ve seen in action and admired for many decades… Withdraw. Respectfully, Jay.”
The letter has sparked widespread discussion among political analysts and the public, with many speculating on the future of Biden’s campaign and the potential impact on the upcoming election.
A significant voice joining this call is Jay Parini, a longtime friend and supporter of Biden.In an open letter published on CNN’s Opinion page, Parini highlighted Biden’s age and debate performance as key reasons for his stance.
Parini, a poet and novelist who has known Biden since childhood, wrote, “Few leaders in American history have had your big heart or sense of moderation… But you’re an old man now, like me.”
Reflecting on aging, Parini continued, “I know what it’s like to summon the energy to move forcefully through the day. Our bodies don’t cooperate as they once did. Sometimes it hurts even to get up in the morning.”
Parini expressed concern about Biden’s appearance at the debate, “Sadly, that was evident to me from the moment you walked — dazed and confused — onto the debate stage Thursday in Atlanta against former President Donald Trump. You seemed ancient, pale and fragile,” he wrote. “I found myself weeping. Weeping for you. Weeping for our nation.”
Parini emphasized the potential dangers of another four years under Trump’s presidency, including threats to NATO and abortion rights. He urged Biden to consider stepping down for the nation’s greater good: “You’ve done your work, and you’ve done it well. The nation is stronger because of you. But we need a brokered, open convention… The best available Democrat should stand against Trump in November. Any of them should be able to wipe the floor with him.”
Parini concluded with a plea for Biden to step aside gracefully, “Be the great man you are, Joe, the one we’ve seen in action and admired for many decades… Withdraw. Respectfully, Jay.”
The letter has sparked widespread discussion among political analysts and the public, with many speculating on the future of Biden’s campaign and the potential impact on the upcoming election.
