Joe Biden should step down/step aside ...

[optimistic pessimist]

Joe Biden should step down/aside from the presidential race.

Regarding the choice between the two words, is it correct to say "step aside" is closer in nuance to "pass the torch"?

 

[5jj]

I don't think so.

 

[Margaret Cavendish]

Joe Biden should step down/aside from the presidential race.

Regarding the choice between the two words, is it correct to say "step aside" is closer in nuance to "pass the torch"?

Step aside carries a similar nuance as stepping down, but it is improper in this particular context. Joe Biden is stepping down from the Presidency. He is not stepping aside from the Presidency, although he IS stepping aside to allow Kamala to run.

The nuance that is similar here is the act of resigning, but 'step down' does not connote the same sense of 'allowing someone or something else to proceed' like 'step aside' does.

FYI I am not a teacher, but I am a native English speaker.

 

[probus]

With respect, @Margaret Cavendish, I disagree. Joe Biden is currently the president. "Step down" would imply that he is resigning the preeidency. But he is not. By declining to run for re-election he is merely stepping aside so that others may run as the Democrat party's candidate.