Some Democrats are calling for President Biden to step aside in the race for the presidency. So we thought it would be interesting to find out what two top Oregon Democrats think: Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden.

We submitted the same questions to both: Do you believe President Biden should stay in the race or step aside? And why?

“It is President’s Biden decision whether he will remain in the 2024 race. He has said that he will. As long as he’s the nominee, I will do everything I can to help him win,” Merkley said in a statement. “This election is between democracy and autocracy. Trump’s signature achievements were increasing hate and division, pandering to Putin, and draining our treasury to fund tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. Biden has restored American leadership, championed women’s reproductive rights, and secured significant legislation for jobs, infrastructure, and renewable energy. The choice is clear.”

Wyden’s office told us he also supported Biden as the nominee.

“I’m proud of the results that Democrats and I have delivered with President Biden the last four years here in Oregon and nationwide,” Wyden said in a statement. “Voters in our state and America fired Donald Trump with cause in 2020 and they’re not going to rehire him in 2024.”

Their answers are their answers, but they don’t address the fundamental issues after Biden’s disastrous debate performance: Is President Biden capable of running a quality campaign against former President Trump? If he won, would Biden be able to serve effectively for four more years?

Aging only goes in one direction.

Biden said this week in a letter to congressional Democrats he is running this race to the end. It may be true. It is also what some politicians say right up to when they end their race.