WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Ed Case has joined a growing chorus of Congressional Democrats calling on Pres. Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race.

“Difficult times and realities require difficult decisions. This is one of those times, realities and decisions,” Case said in a statement released Thursday morning. “My guidepost is what is the best way forward for our country. I do not believe President Biden should continue his candidacy for re-election as President.”

Case said his request is “solely about the future” and Biden's ability to perform the difficult duties of president over another four-year term.

“This has nothing to do with his character and record,” Case said. “If it did, there would be no decision to make.”

Biden’s ability to serve another term has been the subject of emotional speculation last month’s debate against former president Donald Trump, in which the 81-year-old president at time appeared to have difficulty finding words or completing thoughts.

The performance was seized upon by Republicans, who have held it up as proof of Biden’s supposedly diminished capacity, and has stirred consternation and debate among Democrats fearful of losing swing voters.

“Our decision on president, on who will embody and lead that choice, should be made on the merits, with no questions as to basic capacity to discharge responsibilities over another term,” Case said. “I cannot avoid the conclusion that that choice should be presented with another Democratic candidate. As to who that candidate should be, there are various paths to that decision. They are difficult and uncertain.

“But no more difficult and uncertain than the current path, nor any reason to stay on this path, which I do not believe is the best path forward for our country,” he concluded.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.