Democrat Adam Frisch calls on Biden to withdraw from presidential race 

Democrat Adam Frisch, a candidate for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, sent an email to his supporters Tuesday calling on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race following a shaky debate performance last week. 

“We deserve better. President Biden should do what’s best for the country and withdraw from the race,” the email states.

Frisch’s statement came only minutes after U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas became the first Democratic member of Congress to call on the president to leave the race.

Nationally, Democrats have struggled over how to confront the president’s debate performance against former President Donald Trump. Biden’s voice was hoarse and he appeared to stumble through responses. Many Democrats have criticized Trump over multiple false statements he made during the debate, arguing it was also a lacking performance. 

While some Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, have rallied behind Biden, saying he is still the better candidate, some have begun to encourage the octogenarian to step aside for a younger candidate. 

The Colorado Democratic Party has continued to support Biden while other Democrats in the state have stayed somewhat quiet on Biden’s performance.

“President Biden has my full confidence as president and if he chooses to remain in the race, he’ll have my full support,” said Sen. John Hickenlooper, according to 9NEWS. 

Gov. Jared Polis sidestepped a reporter’s questions about calls for Biden to step aside and later said in a statement: “I hope that President Biden delivers his optimistic message about his vision for our future better throughout the campaign,” according to Colorado Newsline. 

Frisch is running against Republican Jeff Hurd in a district that historically favors Republicans. 

Elliott Wenzler is the Western Slope politics reporter for The Aspen Times and its sister publications in Glenwood Springs, Vail, Steamboat Springs, Summit County, and Grand County.