Editor's Note: During the weeks between presidential debate and President Biden's decision to withdraw his candidacy, a range of concern was widespread. Here in Greece, a resolution was brought forward to ExCom, discussed, voted on and sent to international ExCom. This is how country committees can and do express the perceived will of membership, i.e. our voice in the DNC decision-making process.
To the Attention of:
Martha McDevitt-Pugh
International Chair, Democrats Abroad
cc EMEA Vice Chair Jennifer Rakow-Stepper
Dear Madam Chair,
The following message was submitted to the Executive Committee of Democrats Abroad Greece (DAGR) by At Large Chapter Representative Daniel Roberts with the request that we share it with the International leadership of Democrats Abroad. The 11 members of the DAGR ExCom, by a vote of 8 to 2 (1 did not vote), agreed to send it forward to you.
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President Biden’s visible decline in mental acuity and physical presence over the past year has become a dangerous distraction from the threat his opponent poses to U.S. democracy. His frailty and the associated uncertainty over his capabilities to govern effectively offer a powerful excuse for uncommitted voters to vote for Trump or else to stay home, with serious consequences for Congressional, state and local races as well.
Democrats Abroad Greece asks that the Democrats Abroad international leadership consult immediately with other state parties and the DNC leadership, conveying the conviction of overseas voters that change is imperative. DPCA should also consult with its Convention delegates and the body of DA electors on issuing or joining in a statement. President Biden must be told, firmly, by the institutional leadership of the Democratic Party, that his legacy risks being obliterated, and with it the security and prosperity of the American people. He must, therefore, withdraw his candidacy.
DPCA must contribute to shaping a transparent Democratic Party process to legitimize the choice of an alternative candidate with better prospects of protecting the United States from Donald Trump and his henchmen. The Democratic Party has impressive personalities capable of running a winning campaign and serving effectively as President. The results in France and the UK, where voters from widely differing political camps joined forces, voting tactically where necessary, to reject the far right, remind us that the Democratic Party has excellent chances for rallying leftist and centrist voters to block a self-evident threat to our democracy. What is urgently needed is a candidate who can make that case forcefully.
We move this motion with a heavy heart, founded on our loyalty to the United States and not to a single individual.
Respectfully,
Brady Kiesling
Chair Democrats Abroad Greece (DAGR)