New ads push Biden to drop out of the race, funded by mysterious new super PAC

A mysterious new political action committee has spent $36,000 on ads urging President Joe Biden to leave the 2024 race, including in his home state, Delaware, during "Morning Joe," his favorite television program.

Pass the Torch PAC was created July 9, according to records from the Federal Election Commission, 12 days after Biden's disastrous debate against Donald Trump, during which the president appeared to lose his train of thought and failed to counter his opponent's statements.

Aaron Regunberg, a former Democratic state lawmaker from Rhode Island, told USA TODAY he is a co-founder of the group but declined to say who is financing it. The group's listed treasurer says on his LinkedIn page that he is a compliance expert who helps Democrats and progressives.

The super PAC, which is not allowed to coordinate with any candidate, spent $36,000 on advertisements that would start running July 12, records show. On Friday, the group posted a video on its social media account.

"It's time to pass the torch and let us choose a nominee," says the ad, which features a series of speakers reading the same script. "One who can bring new energy, new hope, and make sure Donald Trump never gets near the White House again."

More:Joe Biden warns of Donald Trump's 'dark vision' amid more calls for him to drop out of race

Regunberg said the ad originally was supposed to air only in Washington, D.C., but the group expanded the ad campaign to Delaware because Biden is self-isolating after contracting COVID-19.

“We’ll be going up on his favorite programs, and we plan to stay up until we hear the announcement that he’s going to do the right thing and step aside,” Regunberg said. “Hopefully we’ll be able to take it off the air in the very near future.”

Records showing who is funding the PAC will not be available for another three months. The group describes itself as a "Democratic grassroots campaign" on its social media profiles.

Pass the Torch says it has made 10,000 phone calls and sent 17,000 emails. It says it will hold a rally Saturday outside the White House.