As calls grow for U.S. President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race following his disastrous debate performance, voices advocating for the activation of the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution have increased. This amendment would allow for the removal of the president, who refuses to exit the race, and provide an opportunity for his vice president or another Democratic candidate to face former President Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for November.
Biden's announcement of his intention to remain in the race, despite calls from some Democratic lawmakers and party leaders to withdraw, has created a new basis for Democratic and Republican voices to apply the 25th Amendment. This amendment permits Biden's removal if a majority of his cabinet decides he is unable to perform his duties due to cognitive issues. The Constitution stipulates that the vice president assumes presidential duties in the event of the president's death, resignation, or acknowledgment of mental health deterioration.
The liberal magazine "New Yorker" has urged Biden to resign and hand over the presidency to Kamala Harris, while Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has called for the activation of the 25th Amendment. Following the debate, two Republican lawmakers introduced a resolution to activate the amendment, citing the president's incomprehensible performance, stuttering, and lack of focus.
Ironically, former President Trump did not join these voices and it was suggested that he may prefer Biden as the Democratic candidate due to the ease of defeating him in the elections. Trump even advised the president to ignore calls for withdrawal from the race.
The Constitution states that the vice president and 15 of the president's cabinet members can submit a memorandum to the leaders of both the House and Senate to remove the president from office. However, the president can also use his veto. Legislators must respond within four days to proceed with the removal, and Congress must act within 48 hours. The decision requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers to become effective, which is considered unlikely.
What is certain is that opponents of Biden’s continued presidency desire an honorable exit for their leader. They commend his achievements over the decades and will not allow his political reputation to be tarnished, thus preferring persuasion over ousting.
