In a surprising turn of events, the Democratic Party is witnessing a growing chorus of members urging President Joe Biden to step aside and make way for Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's presidential nominee in 2024. The calls for Biden to withdraw from the race have gained momentum due to concerns about his age and ability to lead Democrats to victory against former President Donald Trump.

Representative Mark Takano, joining the ranks of Democrats expressing support for Harris, believes that she is best equipped to handle the demands of a modern campaign. Takano argued that Harris is in a position to seamlessly transition into the role of the Democratic Party's standard-bearer. In a direct address to President Biden, Takano emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Joe, I love and respect you. But the stakes are too high to fail. It's time to pass the torch to Kamala."

The push for Biden to step aside gained further traction after last month's debate, which raised concerns about Biden's age and his ability to defeat Trump in the upcoming election. Harris has been put forward as the logical choice to succeed Biden, with supporters highlighting her record as vice president and arguing that she is better positioned than her 81-year-old running mate to take on Trump.

While some Democrats have not explicitly called for Biden's withdrawal, they have voiced support for an open nomination process should he choose to step aside. Representatives Angie Craig, Nancy Pelosi, Zoe Lofgren, and Greg Landsman have all expressed this stance. Additionally, Democratic delegates, the majority of whom are pledged to vote for the president, will not be obligated to follow Biden's lead, regardless of whether he endorses Harris or not.

A number of Democratic members of Congress have either endorsed Harris as the 2024 Democratic nominee or given strong indications of support. Representative Betty McCollum of Minnesota was one of the first to openly endorse Harris as the party's nominee, while also suggesting Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her potential vice president. Representatives Jared Huffman, Marc Veasey, Chuy Garcia, and Mark Pocan penned a joint letter urging Biden to "pass the torch" to the next generation of Democratic leaders, with Harris at the top of the list.

Other notable figures supporting Harris include Representative Kathy Castor, who praised Harris' leadership and called for Biden to pass the torch to his vice president. Representative Hakeem Jeffries has indicated behind closed doors that Harris would be the best option to replace Biden on the Democratic ticket if he chooses to step aside. Representative Jim Clyburn, a close Biden ally, staunchly defended the Biden-Harris ticket but expressed his support for Harris as a replacement if necessary.

Though there are differing opinions within the Democratic Party, the general sentiment is that the 2024 election presents an opportunity for Democrats to solidify their chances of success by supporting the potential candidacy of Kamala Harris. As the voices calling for Biden to pass the torch grow louder, the party faces a critical decision as it looks towards the future.