New York Times columnist Ezra Klein is calling for Joe Biden to step aside for a new Democratic nominee.
In the latest episode of The Ezra Klein Show, Klein complimented President Biden on successfully unifying the Democratic Party, contrasting it with Republican disunity on key issues like Ukraine. The columnist also praised Biden for his handling of the economy. However, despite praising Biden, he questioned his viability as a central figure in a presidential campaign.
“I like Biden… he’s been a good president… he is a good president. I don’t like having this conversation. And I know a lot of liberals, a lot of Democrats are going to be furious at me for this show,” Klein said.
Furthermore, Klein said using former President Donald Trump’s age as a defense against concerns about Biden’s age is “self-defeating.” “So yes, I think Biden, as painful as this is, should find his way to stepping down as a hero,” Klein said.
Klein urged influential figures in Biden’s circle to counsel Biden that stepping aside would be beneficial.
“The people whom Biden listens to — Barack Obama, Chuck Schumer, Mike Donilon, Ron Klain, Nancy Pelosi, Anita Dunn — they need to get him to see this. Biden may come to see it himself,” Klein said.
