Should Biden drop out? East Texas Democratic Party chairs weigh in

Many have called for Biden to step aside after last week’s debate
Should Biden drop out? East Texas Democratic Party chairs weigh in
Published: Jul. 5, 2024 at 7:17 PM CDT

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Since last week’s presidential debate, there have been calls for President Biden to exit the race for the White House.

Across East Texas, the common sentiment among Democratic Party leaders has been to support Biden’s re-election bid.

“Trump has been convicted of 34 counts by a jury of his peers, and the Republicans have stood right behind him,” said Gregg County Democratic Party chair Phillip Burns. “We as Democrats should do the same thing (for) our president.”

In a speech in Madison, Wisconsin earlier today, Biden said, “I am running and going to win again.”

Smith County Democratic Party chair Hector Garza believes if Biden were to drop out it “would be disastrous for the Democratic Party at this point.”

“Trump is a danger to our society, and to our government,” said Nacogdoches County Democratic Party Chair Roger McNellie. “I think we need to back the person that has the best chance of winning, and I think that’s Biden.”

Asked whether Biden should exit the race, the Van Zandt Democratic Party issued the following statement, reading in part:

Whether or not President Biden should step down as the presumptive Democratic nominee is a quickly evolving topic. While I do believe it’s a valid conversation to have among ourselves, the Van Zandt County Democratic Party has no official stance on the matter. Our personal opinions vary, but we all realize that either path presents inherent risks. It’s a tough call. We will stand united with whatever decision President Biden makes.

“We’ve trusted him for four years, and he’s done a wonderful job,” added Hector Garza, referring to Biden. “Look and see what he does at the next debate, and then start making some evaluations.”

The next presidential debate is scheduled for September 10.

The Democratic National Convention, during which the presidential nominee will be officially chosen, takes place in Chicago between August 19 and 22.