BREAKING: Adam Schiff calls for Biden to drop out of presidential race

Schiff told the outlet he had "serious concerns" over whether Biden could beat Trump come November, adding that despite this, Biden "has been one of the most consequential presidents in our nation’s history, and his lifetime of service as a Senator, a Vice President, and now as President has made our country better."

"But our nation is at a crossroads," he said. "A second Trump presidency will undermine the very foundation of our democracy, and I have serious concerns about whether the President can defeat Donald Trump in November."

He said that the "choice to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden’s alone," but Schiff said he believed it’s time "to pass the torch" and "secure his legacy of leadership" by stepping aside. Schiff's call for Biden to step down joins calls from other Democrat politicians and pundits for Biden to leave the race following his dismal debate performance.

Schiff said he would support whoever takes the Democratic nomination, including Biden, stating, "I will do everything I can to help them succeed. There is only one singular goal: defeating Donald Trump. The stakes are just too high."

In a Saturday meeting with donors, Schiff said that Democratic candidates across the board would be dragged down if Biden remained in the race, two people with knowledge of the meeting told the New York Times.

Schiff reportedly said at the New York fundraiser that Biden remaining in the race could result in losses in the Senate and a missed opportunity to regain the house, likely giving the Republican Party control of both chambers and the White House.

"I think if he is our nominee, I think we lose," Schiff said, according to a transcript obtained by the outlet. "And we may very, very well lose the Senate and lose our chance to take back the House."

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