Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont became the first Democratic governor to suggest that President Biden abandon his 2024 presidential reelection campaign.
Lamont told reporters Friday during an event in New Haven that was was “simpatico” with the position of fellow Connecticut Dem Rep. Jim Himes, who has called on Biden to drop out of the race.
“Maybe we try and influence the decision in different ways … I think we’ve come to the same conclusion,” ”Lamont said, CT Mirror reported.
He declined to elaborate further, and in an official statement, his office was equivocal.
“Governor Lamont has been clear that it’s President Biden’s choice to make, and his comments reflect that,” said spokeswoman Julia Bergman.
Lamont’s stance carries extra sting as he was one of the first governors to endorse Biden in his come-from-behind 2020 primary.
What to know about the fallout from President Biden’s debate performance:
Biden’s campaign has been in a tailspin since a disastrous debate performance last month, with new questions being raised about whether he has the cognitive fortitude to win against Trump and serve until the end of a second tern — when he will be 86 years old.
In addition to a clutch of House lawmakers, Biden has also faced defections from Hollywood A-listers such George Clooney, Democratic Senators like Vermont’s Pete Welch and top donors like Abigail Disney.
Biden has steadfastly refused to consider leaving the race and vowed that only “Lord Almighty” could drive him from the campaign.
