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Texas lawmaker is first Democrat to publicly call for Biden to step down as
party's nominee

by Associated Press

   washington --

   A House Democratic lawmaker has become the first in the party to
   publicly call for President Joe Biden to step down as the Democratic
   nominee for president, citing Biden's debate performance failing to
   "effectively defend his many accomplishments."

   Representative Lloyd Doggett of Texas said in a statement Tuesday that
   Biden should "make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw."

   "My decision to make these strong reservations public is not done
   lightly nor does it in any way diminish my respect for all that
   President Biden has achieved," Doggett said. "Recognizing that, unlike
   Trump, President Biden's first commitment has always been to our
   country, not himself, I am hopeful that he will make the painful and
   difficult decision to withdraw. I respectfully call on him to do so."

   Senior Democratic leaders have been expressing support for Biden
   following the recent debate.