Democrats on Capitol Hill are gearing up for a significant and potentially contentious debate over President Joe Biden’s future, as concerns about his health and political viability intensify. The party is at a crossroads, with some members urging Biden to step aside, while others remain steadfast in their support.
On Tuesday, Democratic House members convened a private meeting at party headquarters, a session described as a “family” discussion. The atmosphere was tense, with no cellphones allowed to prevent leaks. One Democrat in attendance described the mood as “dour,” as lawmakers grappled with the question of whether to continue backing Biden or push for his withdrawal.
Biden, who has made it clear he has no intention of stepping down, sent a strongly worded letter to his party, urging them to shift their focus from him to the threat posed by Republican Donald Trump. Emerging from the closed-door meeting, Biden’s supporters were vocal, with some key Democrats reversing their previous stance to back the president.
Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, who had previously suggested Biden should step aside, stated, “He said he’s going to remain in, he’s our candidate, and we’re going to support him.” However, dissent remains strong among many Democrats who fear that Biden’s candidacy could jeopardize not only the presidency but also their down-ballot races for control of the House and Senate.
Rep. Steven Cohen of Tennessee expressed the party’s disunity, saying, “We are not even in the same book.” Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois was more direct, stating, “He just has to step down because he can’t win.” Quigley argued that the qualities that helped Biden win four years ago could now bring the ticket down.
The timing of this internal conflict is critical, with the Democratic National Convention to nominate Biden for a second term just weeks away. In the private House meeting, there was growing concern that Biden’s continued presence in the race would shift the election’s focus to his age issues rather than Trump. Additionally, there are worries about the legal complexities of replacing a candidate so close to the election.
Republicans, meanwhile, are dealing with their own unprecedented situation, as they prepare to nominate a former president who has been convicted of a felony and faces multiple federal criminal indictments.
Senate Democrats also met on Tuesday, with leaders like Sen. Patty Murray of Washington state emphasizing the need for Biden to demonstrate his capability to run for reelection. While at least six House Democrats have publicly called for Biden to end his candidacy, Senate Democrats have been more reserved, with none publicly urging him to step aside.
In response to the growing calls for his withdrawal, the White House and Biden’s campaign team have ramped up efforts to quell the drama. Biden met virtually with the Congressional Black Caucus, thanking them for their support and assuring them he would have their backs in a second term. He also planned meetings with the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus, whose leaders have publicly supported him.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that the entire party caucus is united behind Biden as their nominee.
Despite these efforts, the debate over Biden’s future continues to simmer. House Democrats returned to Washington prepared to address the issue head-on. Biden’s letter to congressional Democrats, in which he urged them to end the speculation about his candidacy, received mixed reactions. Some lawmakers saw it as a powerful reminder of what is at stake, while others viewed it as an attempt to pull at heartstrings without addressing the hard realities.
Rep. Haley Stevens of Michigan, a vocal Biden defender, praised the letter as “brilliant,” saying it reminded everyone of the stakes and why Biden is best positioned to win the election. The Biden campaign emphasized that the letter was part of a broader outreach effort, including media appearances and events in key states.
As the week progressed, more House Democrats publicly stated their positions on Biden’s candidacy. Rep. Greg Landsman of Ohio stressed the need for Biden to make his case to the American people clearly and repeatedly. Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York criticized colleagues for mixed messaging, calling it “deeply destructive.”
While some lawmakers reaffirmed their support for Biden, others continued to call for his withdrawal. The trickle of calls for Biden to step down is expected to grow as Congress returns to session. However, some senior House Democrats believe the chaos surrounding Biden’s candidacy has a “natural expiration date” and predict that party leadership will soon encourage members to stop talking and focus on their work.
In anticipation of a heated discussion about Biden’s candidacy, Democrats moved their weekly caucus meeting from the Capitol to the Democratic National Committee’s headquarters. Lawmakers were advised that cellphones would not be permitted, with secure storage provided on-site.
As the meeting approached, tensions were high, with some lawmakers predicting a “come-to-Jesus meeting.” One senior House Democrat noted that while tensions were elevated, they had not yet reached the level of “heated exchanges.” Another Democrat emphasized that the party is a caucus, not a cult like the Republicans.
The coming days will be crucial for Hill Democrats as they navigate this intensifying battle over Biden’s future and the direction of their party.
Source: Associated Press, Axios
