In a surprising move, Senator Joe Manchin, who recently became an independent after leaving the Democratic party, has called for President Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 race. Manchin, known for his centrist views, believes it is time for Biden to "pass the torch" to a new generation of leaders.

Speaking to ABC News on Sunday, Manchin praised Biden as a patriot American with a remarkable legacy. However, he expressed concern about the president's ability to turn around his campaign and rebuild voter confidence, particularly after his lackluster debate performance.

Manchin also advocated for an "open process" in the coming weeks to find a replacement candidate. He stated that there is a wealth of talent within the party that should be considered for the presidential race.

While several House Democrats have also called for Biden to step down, citing concerns about his campaign's effectiveness, only a few senators have joined this sentiment. Notably, Ohio's Sherrod Brown and Montana's Jon Tester, both stalwart Democrats, have pressed Biden to quit the race due to their tough re-election battles.

Unlike these senators, Manchin does not face immediate re-election stakes, giving him the freedom to voice his opinion without the pressure of a tough campaign. Colorado Governor Jared Polis, another moderate Democrat, refrained from directly calling for Biden's withdrawal but emphasized the need for a change in strategy based on polling numbers.

The pressure on Biden to reconsider his candidacy extends beyond politicians. Major donors have warned that financial support may dwindle, and even influential figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have consistently pushed for Biden to drop out. Yet, former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, are reportedly urging donors to continue supporting Biden, according to US media.

Recent polls show Biden trailing behind his rival, former President Donald Trump, by a few points in key swing states. The margin has widened since a recent assassination attempt on Biden at a rally in Pennsylvania, after which Trump held his first rally since the attack, attracting thousands of supporters in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

While some Democrats in the House have voiced their unwavering support for Biden to remain in the race, urging the party to "coalesce" around him, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has raised the possibility of legal action if the Democrats were to switch their nominee.

The Democratic National Convention, scheduled to begin on August 19th, is expected to be held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, there have been discussions about the procedures for the virtual roll-call vote, with the party's rules committee meeting to address concerns and potential changes.

Manchin's call for Biden to step aside adds another layer to the ongoing debate within the Democratic party regarding the future of their leadership. As the party prepares for its convention, the focus now turns to Biden's response and the potential impact on the nomination process.